COSENTYX (Secukinumab)

What is this medication?

COSENTYX (Secukinumab)
Anti-interleukin 17A Monoclonal Antibody; Antipsoriatic Agent; Monoclonal Antibody

COSENTYX (Secukinumab) is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.  COSENTYX is also indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

How does this medication work? 

Secukinumab, Cosentyx is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor.  IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Secukinumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

How should I take this medication? 

SQ: Loading dose, inject 150mg subcutaneously weekly.

SQ: Without loading dose, inject 300mg subcutaneously weekly.

How to Take: Inject into the front of thighs, lower abdomen (≥2 inches away from the navel) or outer upper arms; administer each injection at a different anatomic location than a previous injection and avoid areas where the skin is tender, bruised, erythematous, indurated, or affected by psoriasis, or where there are scars or stretch marks. The Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe may be self-injected by the patient following proper training in SQ injection technique; the lyophilized powder is to be administered by health care providers only.

The 300 mg dose should be divided into two 150 mg SQ injections.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  COSENTYX (Secukinumab) should be used with caution in patients with a chronic infection or history of recurrent infection.  If a serious infection develops, discontinue Secukinumab until the infection resolves.  Secukinumab should be used with caution in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

What size needle does this medication use?

COSENTYX
Prefilled syringe: 27-gauge, ½ inch needle
Prefilled pen: 27-gauge, ½ inch needle

What is the difference between a prefilled syringe and an autoinjector?

Both an autoinjector (prefilled pen) device and prefilled syringe are comparable with respect to ease of use, tolerability, and efficacy.  However the addition of an autoinjector to deliver a prefilled syringe can enhance patient safety.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not double up on your doses to make up for the missed dose. So, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend when you should take your next dose.

How should I store this medication?

Store in the refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF). Keep the product in the original carton until the time of use. Do not shake. Do not freeze.

Allow the reconstituted solution to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes) before administration. COSENTYX (Secukinumab) does not contain preservatives; therefore, administer within 1 hour after removal from 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) storage.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for COSENTYX (Secukinumab), only common ones.