Cosentyx (Secukinumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cosentyx Used For?
Cosentyx contains secukinumab, a fully-human monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the IL-17A protein, which causes inflammation in several autoimmune conditions.
Primary Uses
Cosentyx treats moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (ages 6+), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (spine inflammation), juvenile idiopathic arthritis including ERA (ages 4+) and JPsA (ages 2+), and hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic inflammatory skin disease with painful nodules and abscesses).
How It Works
Cosentyx is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes and attaches to the IL-17A protein in your body. By stopping IL-17A activity, it reduces inflammation that causes symptoms like itching and scaling in psoriasis, swollen joints in arthritis, and spine pain in spondyloarthritis.
Good to know: Cosentyx can be used alone or with other medications like antibiotics for hidradenitis suppurativa, and with or without methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis.
How to Take Cosentyx
Cosentyx is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Your healthcare provider will determine the right dose and teach you or your caregiver how to inject it properly.
Dosage Instructions
Dosing varies by condition: Plaque psoriasis (adults): 300mg with loading doses at weeks 0,1,2,3,4, then monthly. Children 6+: weight-based dosing. Psoriatic arthritis: 150mg (may increase to 300mg) with same loading schedule. Ankylosing spondylitis: 150mg (may increase to 300mg). Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: 150mg with or without loading doses. Juvenile arthritis: 75mg (<50kg) or 150mg (≥50kg) weight-based. Hidradenitis suppurativa: 300mg with loading schedule. Inject in front thighs, lower abdomen (avoiding 5cm around navel), or outer upper arms (caregiver only).
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, inject it as soon as you remember, then talk to your doctor about when to take your next dose. Continue with your regular schedule as directed.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed injection. Don’t try to inject yourself until properly trained by your healthcare provider.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Oral thrush
- Cold sores
- External ear infection
- Eye discharge with itching/redness
- Athlete’s foot
- Runny nose
- Hives
- Headache
- Nausea
- Itchy rash
- Small itchy blisters on hands/feet
- Painful periods
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious allergic reactions (difficulty breathing/swallowing, low blood pressure, face/lip/throat swelling, severe skin itching)
- Signs of serious infection (fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, fatigue, persistent cough, skin infections)
- Inflammation of blood vessels causing skin rash
- Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever)
- Severe skin inflammation (dermatitis exfoliative)
Important Warnings
Cosentyx can affect your immune system and may increase infection risk. Several medical conditions require special consideration before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Cosentyx
Don’t use Cosentyx if you’re allergic to secukinumab or any ingredients, have an active serious infection, or if the medication shows visible particles, cloudiness, brown color, or damaged packaging. Don’t use if dropped with cap removed.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have tuberculosis, hepatitis B history, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), recent vaccinations planned, or latex allergies. Monitor for skin reactions like eczema, dermatitis, or severe skin inflammation during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cosentyx is not recommended during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks. Discuss with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Infection Risk: Stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of serious infection: fever, flu-like symptoms, persistent cough, warm/red/painful skin, or burning urination.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Cosentyx effectiveness. Always inform healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Vaccination Important: You cannot receive live vaccines while using Cosentyx. Children should receive all age-appropriate vaccines before starting treatment.
- Blood thinning medicine (warfarin)
- Live vaccines (not suitable during treatment)
- Other medicines (discuss all medications with doctor)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Cosentyx affects you, as no specific studies have been conducted on these effects.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking Cosentyx.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you understand how Cosentyx affects you. No studies have been performed on the effects of Cosentyx on driving ability.
Storage
Store Cosentyx in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze or shake. If needed, it can be left at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 4 days, but cannot be returned to refrigeration afterward. Keep away from children in a locked section at least 1.5 meters above ground. Dispose of used pens immediately in a sharps container – never reuse.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Cosentyx, seek immediate medical attention even without symptoms. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source indicates initial loading doses are given at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by monthly maintenance doses, suggesting the medication builds up over the first month of treatment.
Yes, after proper training from your healthcare provider, patients 12 years and older may self-inject, or caregivers can give injections to patients 6 years and older if deemed appropriate by the doctor.
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember, then talk to your doctor about when to take your next dose. Never take a double dose to make up for the missed injection.
You should not receive live vaccines while using Cosentyx. Tell your doctor you’re taking Cosentyx before any vaccination. It’s recommended that children receive all age-appropriate vaccines before starting treatment.
Recommended injection sites include the front of your thighs, lower abdomen (avoiding 5cm around the navel), or outer upper arms (if a caregiver is giving the injection). Choose a different site each time and avoid areas that are tender, bruised, red, or scarred.
Cosentyx can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 4 days at room temperature (not above 30°C), but once it reaches room temperature, it cannot be put back in the refrigerator and any unused product must be discarded.
Yes, according to the source, Cosentyx may be used by people aged 65 years and over.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.