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Overview: Cosentyx is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and enthesitis-related arthritis. Common side effects include infection in the nose or throat and diarrhea.

Uses

What is Cosentyx used for?

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Cosentyx may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Cosentyx work (mechanism of action)?

Cosentyx works by reducing inflammation and preventing your immune system from attacking healthy tissues by mistake.

How is Cosentyx supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cosentyx

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 75 mg/0.5 mL, 150 mg/mL, 300 mg/2 mL single-dose prefilled syringes
  • 150 mg/mL, 300 mg/2 mL single-dose autoinjectors

Cosentyx is also available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Cosentyx?

If you store Cosentyx at home, it should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Once you take a Cosentyx pen or prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature, up to 86 F (30 C), for up to four days. A Cosentyx pen or prefilled syringe can be returned to the refrigerator only one time, and it must be stored at 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until you use it. Keep Cosentyx in its original container to protect it from light until you are ready to use it.

Some forms of Cosentyx are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If your health care provider gives you Cosentyx, you will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cosentyx?

The most common side effects of Cosentyx are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Cosentyx that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Cosentyx?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Cosentyx are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cosentyx may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cosentyx and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections. Cosentyx can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Cosentyx may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Cosentyx, tell your health care provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Cosentyx can cause worsening or new cases of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of your intestines. It can be serious. Tell your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Severe stomach cramps or pain
  • Diarrhea that won’t go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting

Severe Skin Reactions. Cosentyx can cause severe skin reactions that look like eczema. It can start right away after your first dose of Cosentyx, or it can happen months later. Your health care provider may pause or stop your treatment if you have a severe skin reaction. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Skin redness, itching, or rash
  • Dry skin or skin that feels like leather
  • Blisters on your hands or feet
  • Small bumps or patches on your skin
  • Skin peeling

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cosentyx?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cosentyx.

  • Cosentyx
  • Secukinumab
  • Latex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cosentyx.

What should I know about Cosentyx before using it?

Do not use Cosentyx unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Cosentyx with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Cosentyx out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

There are multiple forms of Cosentyx available. Certain types of Cosentyx are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic, and others are given at home. If you are using Cosentyx at home, read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

The needle caps of Cosentyx pens and prefilled syringes contain latex. Do not handle the needle cap of Cosentyx pens or prefilled syringes if you are allergic or sensitive to latex. If your caregiver is allergic or sensitive to latex, they should not handle the needle cap of Cosentyx pens or prefilled syringes.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Cosentyx?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cosentyx is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Cosentyx. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • An infection that keeps coming back or won’t go away
  • Hepatitis B infection
  • Tuberculosis, or you have been near someone who has tuberculosis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Other Medicines and Supplements. Cosentyx may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Cosentyx, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cosentyx could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cosentyx passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Cosentyx?

For more information about Cosentyx, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.cosentyx.com or call them at 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Cosentyx interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cosentyx and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cosentyx.

Does Cosentyx interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Cosentyx may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Cosentyx. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cosentyx?

If you or someone else has used too much Cosentyx, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cosentyx?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Some forms of Cosentyx are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Cosentyx as scheduled. If you miss your appointment to get your Cosentyx dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.