Cosentyx
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that helps treat many inflammatory conditions. This includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. The medication works as an interleukin 17 (IL-17) antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. It's usually injected under the skin once a month. You use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, it can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a brand-name medication.
What is Cosentyx (secukinumab)?
What is Cosentyx (secukinumab) used for?
- Plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
- Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults
- Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older
How Cosentyx (secukinumab) works
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody called an interleukin antagonist. It attaches to a protein in your immune system called interleukin-17 (IL-17). This protein tends to be too active in certain inflammatory conditions.
By attaching to the IL-17 protein, Cosentyx (secukinumab) stops it from causing inflammation. This helps calm down inflammation in the body.
Drug facts
Side effects of Cosentyx (secukinumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Common cold (11%)
- Diarrhea (4%)
- Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cold sore
- Hives
Note: Side effects were reported from clinical studies with adults who had plaque psoriasis. Side effects might be slightly different for people with other inflammatory conditions and for children.
Cosentyx (secukinumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infection: fever; weakness; sweating; chills; cough; trouble breathing; diarrhea; scaly or itchy skin; white patches in the mouth
- Stomach problems: severe stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation that doesn't get better, bloody stools
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The following Cosentyx (secukinumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dry, itchy, scaly patches of skin that blister or peel
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
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Pros and cons of Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Pros
- Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
- Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
- Okay for some children (with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or enthesitis-related arthritis)
- Few side effects
Cons
- Must be given as an injection
- Might raise the risk of infections
- Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy
Pharmacist tips for Cosentyx (secukinumab)
- Write down the dates of your Cosentyx (secukinumab) injections on your calendar. This will help you remember to take the medication on time. Your dosing schedule will depend on the condition you're treating and your treatment plan. If you're not sure when to take Cosentyx (secukinumab), ask your care team.
- Let your care team know if you think you have an infection while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). This can include fever, body aches, chills, and cough. The medication can make it harder for your body to fight it. Your care team can see if the infection needs to get treated. If it's serious or if treatment doesn't help, you might need to stop Cosentyx (secukinumab) until you get better.
- Before getting any vaccines, let the healthcare professional know you're taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). Most vaccines are okay to get during treatment. But others, like live vaccines, might not be. The healthcare professional can check that the vaccine is safe for you.
- If you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). It's not clear how safe it is to use the medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your prescriber can help you decide the safest option for you and your baby.
How to store Cosentyx (secukinumab) pens and prefilled syringes:
- Store Cosentyx (secukinumab) UnoReady Pens, Sensoready Pens, and prefilled syringes in the refrigerator. Be careful not to let the medication freeze. Keep them in the original carton to protect from light.
- For Cosentyx (secukinumab) Sensoready Pens and prefilled syringes only: If needed, you can keep the Sensoready pens and syringes at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 4 days. Write on the box the date you took it out. During these few days, you can put it back into the fridge only one time (then, keep it refrigerated until you use it or until it expires). Throw it away if it's out for more than 4 days.
How to use and how to inject Cosentyx (secukinumab) under the skin:
- Make sure you know how to use Cosentyx (secukinumab) and how to inject it under the skin. Your care team can show you how before you do it on your own at home. Review the instructions for the UnoReady Pen, Sensoready Pen, and prefilled syringe. The directions might be different depending on which one you're using. If you have any questions, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- When you're ready for your Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection: Take the medication out of the carton and lay it on a flat surface to warm up to room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes or so. Don't try to warm it up any other way, like with a microwave or under hot water. Also don't shake the medication. Heat and shaking can damage the medication.
- Right before you inject Cosentyx (secukinumab): Always check that the medication is clear and colorless or slightly yellow. Also check that there aren't any particles floating in it. If it's discolored or cloudy or it has particles in it, don't use it. Call your prescriber or pharmacy for a replacement.
- Where to inject Cosentyx (secukinumab): Inject the medication under the skin into the front of your thigh or lower stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button). Someone can also help inject the medication into your upper outer arm. Pick a different spot for each injection. Avoid tender, bruised, red, hard, or scarred areas. Also don't inject into areas with psoriasis or stretch marks. These tips all help lessen the risk of skin irritation.
- How to throw away Cosentyx (secukinumab) after each injection: Put used pens and syringes in a sharps container. If needed, you can also use a heavy-duty plastic container, like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. This keeps you and others safe from needle sticks. Don't throw away used pens and syringes into your regular trash can.
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Common questions about Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Yes, Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a type of biologic medication. Biologics are medications that are made from living sources, like cells, in a lab. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a monoclonal antibody, which is a protein made from cells in a lab.
No, Cosentyx (secukinumab) isn't a steroid. It's a type of monoclonal antibody called an IL-17 inhibitor. Like steroids, Cosentyx (secukinumab) helps lower inflammation in your body. But they do this in different ways.
In general, it can take several months to see the full benefits of Cosentyx (secukinumab). But the specific timing can be different for each person. For example, some people with psoriatic arthritis started to feel relief as early as a few weeks. But others had noticeable improvements after 4 to 6 months of treatment. And in another study, most people with plaque psoriasis had clear or almost clear skin within 3 to 4 months of starting Cosentyx (secukinumab). Be sure to follow your dosing schedule to make sure the medication works as best as it can for you. If you have questions about how long Cosentyx (secukinumab) is taking to working for you, ask your prescriber.
No. During studies, people didn't report gaining weight while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). If you notice your weight is going up during treatment and you don't know why, talk to your primary care provider.
The UnoReady Pen and Sensoready Pen are both used for injecting Cosentyx (secukinumab) under the skin. The UnoReady Pen has 300 mg of medication, while the Sensoready Pen has 150 mg. The UnoReady Pen is also latex-free. But the cap of the Sensoready Pen has latex, so it might not be safe for people with latex allergies. Both pens should be kept in the refrigerator. But you can also keep the SensoReady Pen at room temperature for up to 4 days, making it convenient for people on the go. Lastly, the shape of the pens is a little different, so one might feel better to hold or use than the other for you. Talk to your prescriber about which pen is best for you.
Cosentyx (secukinumab) isn't FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But a study showed that the medication worked well to help with RA in people who already tried tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. This is currently an off-label use of Cosentyx (secukinumab). If you have RA, talk to your rheumatologist about your treatment options.
No. Cosentyx (secukinumab) and Humira (adalimumab) work in different ways to treat inflammatory conditions. They can treat many of the same health problems. But notably, Humira can also treat rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Cosentyx isn't approved for these particular conditions. The two medications are both injections that can be given under the skin. But how often the injections are is different. The maintenance doses of Cosentyx are given every 4 weeks. But for Humira, it's given every 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan. Talk to your prescriber about how these medications compare to each other.
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Risks and warnings for Cosentyx (secukinumab)
Cosentyx (secukinumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of infection
- Risk factors: Active, chronic, or recurrent infection
Cosentyx (secukinumab) can make it harder for your body to fight off germs. This can raise your risk of getting a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Examples include upper respiratory tract infections and certain yeast infections. It's also possible for some old infections, like tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B, to come back. Sometimes, infections can become serious.
Before starting Cosentyx (secukinumab), let your prescriber know about any infections you've had for a while. You'll need to get tested for TB. If you have TB, don't take Cosentyx (secukinumab) until it's treated. It's also not recommended to take this medication if you currently have hepatitis B.
Call a healthcare professional if you think you have an infection while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). Look out for a fever, cough, trouble breathing, weakness, night sweats, and chills. Your care team can check to see if you have an infection. If you do, you might have to stop taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) until you get better.
Caution when getting vaccines
It's best to be up to date on all your vaccines before you start Cosentyx (secukinumab). If you need to get one during treatment, tell the healthcare professional you're taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). They can make sure the vaccine is safe for you to get.
You should avoid live vaccines while you're taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). It's not known if these types of vaccines are safe during treatment. Examples of live vaccines include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) and FluMist (nasal spray flu vaccine).
Eczema-like skin reaction
Some people who took Cosentyx (secukinumab) had severe skin reactions that looked like eczema. This can look like dry, itchy, inflamed, and red skin. Sometimes, it can be small, itchy blisters on the palm of your hands or the bottom of your feet. This has happened from a few days to months after the first dose of Cosentyx (secukinumab).
Tell your care team if you have unusual changes in your skin while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). They can help you with this side effect. You might be able to keep taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). But if it's severe, you might need to take a break from the medication until the skin problem goes away.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Allergy to latex (for Sensoready Pen and prefilled syringes)
It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Cosentyx (secukinumab). These allergic reactions can include swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. It can also look like trouble breathing, hives, or any other sign of anaphylaxis. If you have an allergic reaction to Cosentyx (secukinumab) at any time, get medical help right away.
Tell your prescriber if you're allergic to latex. The cap on the prefilled syringe and Sensoready Pen contains latex. These might not be safe options for you. Your prescriber can make sure you can take Cosentyx (secukinumab) safely or suggest another option for you.
Inflammatory bowel disease
In studies, some people who took Cosentyx (secukinumab) developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some others who already had this gut problem had flare-ups during treatment.
Before you start Cosentyx (secukinumab), let your prescriber know if you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Tell your care team if you have severe stomach pain or bloody stools while taking this medication. Also let them know if you have diarrhea or constipation that doesn't get better. These could be signs of IBD.
Cosentyx (secukinumab) dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 syringe of 150mg/ml | 1 carton | $7,222.12 | $7,222.12 |
| 2 syringes of 150mg/ml | 1 carton | $7,201.91 | $7,201.91 |
| 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml | 1 carton | $7,189.40 | $7,189.40 |
| 1 sensoready pen of 150mg/ml | 1 carton | $7,210.38 | $7,210.38 |
| 1 unoready pen of 300mg/2ml | 1 carton | $7,204.68 | $7,204.68 |
| 1 syringe of 75mg/0.5ml | 1 carton | $3,925.64 | $3,925.64 |
Typical dosage for Cosentyx (secukinumab)
-
Plaque psoriasis
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 300 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 300 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Children 6 years and older
- Weigh less than 110 lbs: The typical starting dose is 75 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 75 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Weigh 110 lbs or more: The typical starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 150 mg injected every 4 weeks.
-
Psoriatic arthritis
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
- Note: You can also get Cosentyx (secukinumab) as an infusion into a vein. It's given by a healthcare professional at a clinic. The dose is based on your weight, and the dosing schedule is once every 4 weeks.
- Children 2 years and older
- Weigh 33 lbs to 110 lbs: The typical starting dose is 75 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 75 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Weigh 110 lbs or more: The typical starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 150 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
-
Ankylosing spondylitis
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
- Note: You can also get Cosentyx (secukinumab) as an infusion into a vein. It's given by a healthcare professional at a clinic. The dose is based on your weight, and the dosing schedule is once every 4 weeks.
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
-
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
- Note: You can also get Cosentyx (secukinumab) as an infusion into a vein. It's given by a healthcare professional at a clinic. The dose is based on your weight, and the dosing schedule is once every 4 weeks.
- Adults: The starting dose can be optional. If given, the starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. Then, the usual maintenance dose is 150 mg injected under the skin every 4 weeks. If needed, your prescriber can raise the maintenance dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
-
Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 300 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the usual maintenance dose is 300 mg injected every 4 weeks.
-
Enthesitis-related arthritis
- Children 4 years and older
- Weigh 33 lbs to 110 lbs: The typical starting dose is 75 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 75 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Weigh 110 lbs or more: The typical starting dose is 150 mg injected under the skin once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the maintenance dose is 150 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Children 4 years and older
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How much does Cosentyx (secukinumab) cost?
$3,925.64
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