Cosentyx (Secukinumab)
Cosentyx (Secukinumab) is a biologic medicine that suppresses the immune system in order to treat psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
Cozentyx works by blocking interleukin-17 (IL-17). IL-17 is a signalling protein, or cytokine, that regulates the immune system and is related to the body’s inflammatory response. Cosentyx is itself a type of protein known as a monoclonal antibody.
Taking Cosentyx
Cosentyx is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Cosentyx is available as a pre-filled syringe that is taken once a month. The normal dose is either 150 or 300 mg and is based on body weight.
Patients starting Cosentyx will receive an injection weekly for the first five (5) weeks and then once a month after that.
Subcutaneous injections are easy to do compared to other types of injections. Patients can do them quickly at home. A small needle pokes just under the skin to deliver medicine into the “fatty tissue” below.
Learn how take Cosentyx:
Important Tests and Risks
Cosentyx can make it a bit harder for people to fight off infections. Patients taking this medicine should call their doctor they have a fever, think they have an infection, or have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an infection.
Patients should coordinate with their doctor to stop treatment before any surgery. It can be re-started once things have healed and there’s no sign of infection.
Patients should discuss all vaccinations with their doctor because some are not advisable to get while taking Cosentyx.
It is important to get a TB (tuberculosis) skin test and a chest x-ray before starting Cosentyx.
It is important for patients who are taking Cosentyx to get occasional blood tests as requested by their doctor to keep an eye on blood counts and monitor the arthritis.
Drug Identification Number (DIN): 02438070, 02438062