Cosentyx Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription-only medication approved to treat several inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It can be taken by adults or children, depending on the condition. 

Cosentyx is a type of monoclonal antibody called an interleukin antagonist (blocker). It works by blocking interleukin-17 (IL-17), a protein that is overly active in some inflammatory conditions. By blocking IL-17, Cosentyx decreases inflammation, swelling, and pain.

If you or your child has recently been prescribed Cosentyx, it’s helpful to understand general Cosentyx dosage recommendations, as well as information on how to use the medication.

Promotion disclosure

Cosentyx

Avg retail price

$5383.07(Save 30.03%)

GoodRx discount

$3766.56

Compare all prices

What’s the typical Cosentyx dosage for adults?

The typical Cosentyx dosage depends on what condition is being treated. In this article, we’ll focus on subcutaneous (SQ) Cosentyx, although the medication is also available as an IV infusion. After proper training, you can administer SQ Cosentyx to yourself at home, or a caregiver can administer it to you. SQ Cosentyx is available in two forms: a prefilled syringe or pen. 

For some health conditions discussed below, Cosentyx is typically first administered as a loading dose. This means it’s initially given as more frequent, weekly doses before reducing to a typical maintenance dose, which is often given every 4 weeks.

Good to know: Before you start receiving Cosentyx, your prescriber will ensure you are up to date on your vaccines. They will also test you for tuberculosis because of the possibility of Cosentyx worsening a tuberculosis infection.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Cosentyx is considered a first-choice treatment option for ankylosing spondylitis when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) don’t work to control spinal or joint pain.

Your prescriber may recommend a loading dose of Cosentyx to start, then switch you to your maintenance dose. If so, your regimen may look like this:

• Loading dose: 150 mg once weekly for 5 weeks (i.e., Week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) 

• Maintenance dose: 150 mg (up to 300 mg, depending on how you respond) once weekly every 4 weeks thereafter

Your prescriber may also recommend skipping the loading dose and going straight to the maintenance dose every 4 weeks. Some research shows that Cosentyx regimens both with and without loading doses are effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis.

Plaque psoriasis

Cosentyx is a treatment option for people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. A loading dose of 300 mg for 5 weeks (i.e., Week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) is recommended. Then, it’s recommended to switch to 300 mg every 4 weeks thereafter. 

It’s possible your prescriber may recommend a weekly dose of 150 mg. However, the 300 mg dose has been found to be more effective for treating plaque psoriasis.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• How they compare: There are several biologics available to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Here’s how biologics like Cosentyx, Humira, and Skyrizi compare.

• Cosentyx side effects: Most Cosentyx side effects can be managed at home. Still, headaches, diarrhea, infections are possible, so it helps to know what to watch out for.

• Cosentyx vs. Sotyktu: Cosentyx and Sotyktu are two medications approved to treat plaque psoriasis. Here are the key differences between them.

Psoriatic arthritis

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, the recommended Cosentyx dosage is the same as what’s discussed above for plaque psoriasis: 300 mg once a week for 5 weeks, then 300 mg every 4 weeks thereafter.

If you have psoriatic arthritis but not plaque psoriasis, Cosentyx usually isn’t a first-choice medication. Other biologics will likely be tried first. However, Cosentyx may be considered as a treatment option if you have severe psoriatic arthritis. 

For treating severe psoriatic arthritis, your prescriber may recommend a regimen that starts with a loading dose, such as:

• Loading dose: 150 mg once weekly for 5 weeks (i.e., Week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4) 

• Maintenance dose: 150 mg (up to 300 mg, depending on how you respond) once weekly every 4 weeks thereafter

If your prescriber decides you should skip the loading dose, the typical regimen is 150 mg to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Cosentyx isn’t typically a first-choice medication for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. But when other medications don’t work, it may be a good option. The typical dosage to treat the condition includes a loading dose of 150 mg for 5 weeks (i.e., Week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4). Then, you’ll switch to 150 mg every 4 weeks thereafter. Or your prescriber may recommend skipping the loading dose and start you at 150 mg every 4 weeks.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

The recommended Cosentyx dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa includes a loading dose of 300 mg for 5 weeks (i.e., Week 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4). Then, it’s recommended to switch to 300 mg every 4 weeks thereafter. If you still have symptoms, your prescriber may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 2 weeks. 

What’s the typical Cosentyx dosage for children?

As mentioned, children’s dosages of Cosentyx are based on body weight and the condition being treated.

Plaque psoriasis

Cosentyx is approved to treat plaque psoriasis in children age 6 and older. Doses are administered weekly for the first 5 weeks, and then every 4 weeks thereafter.

Here are the recommended dosages for children based on body weight:

• Less than 50 kg (110 lbs): 75 mg per dose

• 50 kg (110 lbs) or more: 150 mg per dose

Psoriatic arthritis

Cosentyx is approved to treat psoriatic arthritis in children age 2 and older. Doses are administered weekly for the first 5 weeks, and then every 4 weeks thereafter. 

Here are the recommended dosages for children based on body weight:

• At least 15 kg (33 lbs), but less than 50 kg (110 lbs): 75 mg per dose

• 50 kg (110 lbs) or more: 150 mg per dose

Enthesitis-related arthritis

Cosentyx is approved for enthesitis-related arthritis in children age 4 and older. Doses are administered weekly for the first 5 weeks, and then every 4 weeks thereafter.

Here are the recommended dosages for children based on body weight:

• At least 15 kg (33 lbs), but less than 50 kg (110 lbs): 75 mg per dose

• 50 kg (110 lbs) or more: 150 mg per dose

What should you know about administering Cosentyx?

Cosentyx comes in prefilled pens called Sensoready and UnoReady pens. It also comes in a prefilled syringe. Below are a few tips to follow when handling and administering Cosentyx:

• Storing the medication: In most cases, you’ll want to store your Cosentyx products in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. However, the Sensoready pens and Cosentyx 75 mg and 150 mg syringes can be stored at room temperature (up to 86° F) for 4 days. During those 4 days, you can move these products back to the fridge, but you can only do this one time.

• Allowing your dose to come to room temperature: When you're ready to administer a dose of Cosentyx, take the medication out of the fridge and allow it to come up to room temperature. This should be done 15-30 minutes before you’re ready to use a Sensoready pen or a 75 mg or 150 mg prefilled syringe. For a UnoReady pen or a 300 mg prefilled syringe, take the carton out of the fridge at least 30-45 minutes before your injection. Don't try to warm up the medication any other way.

• Inspecting your medication: Before administering a dose, check that the medication is clear, colorless or slightly yellow, and doesn't have particles floating in it. Contact your prescriber or pharmacist if your Cosentyx product is discolored or contains visible particles.

• Knowing where to administer your injections: You can administer Cosentyx injections in the front of your thighs, lower stomach area (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), or upper, outer arms. If you’re injecting Cosentyx into your arm, someone else will need to administer it for you.

• Avoiding certain areas: Don't inject Cosentyx into skin that is tender, bruised, or red. And avoid areas affected by psoriasis, if applicable. 

• Changing your injection site: Rotate injection sites each time you administer Cosentyx to avoid irritation. Never inject it into your muscle or vein.

• Disposing of the medication: After administering a Cosentyx injection, place the product in a sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container to lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Visit the FDA's website for guidance on how to safely throw away your sharps container in your state.

For specific instructions on how to inject Cosentyx pens or prefilled syringes, refer to the product information. You can also talk to your pharmacist if you have questions.

What happens if you miss a dose of Cosentyx?

Waiting too long between Cosentyx doses could cause your symptoms to return. So if you forget to take a dose of Cosentyx, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if more than a couple of days have passed since your missed dose, contact your prescriber to find out what to do. They’ll let you know if you should adjust your dosage schedule.

What should you do if you administer too much Cosentyx?

If you inject too much Cosentyx, you’re more likely to experience side effects from the medication, including infections, headaches, and diarrhea.

You should only take Cosentyx as prescribed. Contact your prescriber right away if you think you may have injected too much, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save

If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 per month for Cosentyx using a savings card from the manufacturer. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Cosentyx’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts