What is Cosentyx: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Cosentyx is a biologic medication, belonging to the class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, that works by suppressing the immune system. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Its available dosage forms include an autoinjector pen, prefilled syringe, and single-dose vial. While Cosentyx is generally a safe medication, it is recommended to talk to a healthcare provider if there is another infection present. Depending on the specific circumstances, they may recommend delaying a Cosentyx dose until full recovery is achieved.
Cosentyx overview
BRAND NAMES:
Cosentyx
Generic Names:
Secukinumab
Uses:
Cosentyx treats plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Therapeutic Classes:
Monoclonal antibody
Forms:
Autoinjector pens (Sensoready and UnoReady)
Prefilled syringes
Single-dose vials
How it’s taken:
Subcutaneous injection
Intravenous injection (single-dose vial only administered by a healthcare professional)
What is Cosentyx used for?
Cosentyx is an immunosuppressant that works by reducing the effects of interleukin-17A, a protein in the body that can cause inflammation. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, ankylosing spondylitis, and certain types of arthritis, such as arthritis of the spine (spondyloarthritis) and psoriatic arthritis.
Key takeaways
Make sure you understand the loading dose and maintenance dose injection frequencies. Ask for help from your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any confusion. A calendar or phone app can help keep you on track.
Cosentyx should be stored in the fridge, but it should be removed from the fridge and placed at room temperature for 15 to 45 minutes before injecting it, depending on the specific product. If you forget to put Cosentyx in the fridge, contact your pharmacy or the manufacturer for additional guidance.
Protect Cosentyx from light, preferably in its original container, and do not shake it. Inspect each pen or syringe before injecting it in order to ensure that there are no particles present, it is not cloudy or leaking, and it is not damaged. Call the pharmacy or manufacturer if the product appears to be damaged in order to get a replacement.
Inject the autoinjector or syringe in the lower stomach, upper thighs, or upper, outer arms. Ensure that the skin is not bruised, damaged, or scarred. It is recommended to rotate injection sites.
Talk to your prescribing healthcare provider if you are feeling sick or have been prescribed antibiotics, have an upcoming surgery or procedure, or need to get live vaccinations. Depending on the circumstances, it may be recommended to delay a Cosentyx dose.
What form(s) does Cosentyx come in
UnoReady pen
300 mg/2 mL
Sensoready pen
150 mg/mL
Prefilled Syringe
300 mg/2 mL
150 mg/mL
75 mg/0.5 mL
Single-dose vial
125 mg/5 mL
What are common Cosentyx doses?
Below are common dosages for adults taking Cosentyx subcutaneously:
Plaque psoriasis: 300 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks
Psoriatic arthritis: 150 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by 150 mg every 4 weeks
Ankylosing spondylitis: 150 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by 150 mg every 4 weeks
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: 150 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by 150 mg every 4 weeks
Hidradenitis suppurativa: 300 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks
Common Cosentyx prescriptions
Cosentyx
0.5ml of 75mg/0.5ml syringeCosentyx
1ml of 150mg/ml syringeCosentyx
5ml of 125mg/5ml vial
How to take Cosentyx
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be taken. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the upper arms, stomach, or thighs.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than prescribed.
Take the medication out of the fridge and allow it to get to room temperature for 15 to 45 minutes before you use it. Each dosage form has specific recommendations.
Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Call the manufacturer or pharmacy in order to get a replacement. Do not shake the medicine.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure that you rotate injection sites. Do not inject into skin areas that are red, bruised, tender, hard, or affected by psoriasis.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets. Ask your specialty pharmacy how to obtain a sharps container.
This medicine should come with a medication guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions if you miss a dose.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it. Keep the medicine in the original carton until you are ready to use it.
What to do if you miss a dose of Cosentyx
If you miss a dose, call your prescribing healthcare provider or pharmacy for further instructions. The specific circumstances will help them determine the best course of action.
Cosentyx contraindications
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you previously have had an allergic reaction to secukinumab.
Cosentyx warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) or an allergy to latex.
This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily (including mouth, skin, or upper respiratory tract infections). Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Take precautions to avoid illness. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may cause new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease.
You will need to test for tuberculosis (TB) before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your home has ever had a positive TB test or has been exposed to TB.
Your doctor will perform lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Cosentyx interactions
Some medications can affect how secukinumab works. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live vaccines while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease.
Cosentyx side effects
Cosentyx can cause some side effects. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, get medical help right away. If you experience any severe side effects, let your prescribing healthcare provider know. They may want to see you, or they may advise you to monitor side effects and see if they resolve. When first taking Cosentyx, it is common to feel under the weather, but this typically resolves within a few days as your body gets used to the medication. If there is consistent inflammation at the injection site, talk to your provider or pharmacist because they may be able to offer additional advice about administration techniques.
Serious side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Burning feeling when you urinate, change in how much or how often you urinate
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
Severe stomach pain, diarrhea
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Skin itching or scaling
Less serious side effects:
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Sources:
Noise as a sleep aid: A systematic review, Sleep Medicine Reviews (2020)
Key facts about influenza (flu), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
Highlights of prescribing information, Novartis (2023)
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