Cosentyx (secukinumab): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & More - GoodRx (2024)

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• Receiving Cosentyx (secukinumab) can raise your risk for an infection that's difficult to treat. If you get sick, your provider might ask you to stop Cosentyx (secukinumab) until your infection is treated. Let your provider know if you've symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, and cough.

• Live vaccines aren't recommended after you've started Cosentyx (secukinumab). Before you receive any vaccines, let your provider know you're taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) so they can let you know if it's safe for you to get vaccinated.

• Don't breastfeed while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab) unless you've discussed the benefits and risks of doing so with your provider. Cosentyx (secukinumab) hasn't been well-studied during breastfeeding, but limited research suggests it's unlikely to cause harm to a nursing baby.

• Store Cosentyx (secukinumab) pens or prefilled syringes in the refrigerator in the original carton and protect it from light.

• If needed, you can store Cosentyx (secukinumab) pens or prefilled syringes at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you do store it at room temperature, make sure to write down the new 4-day expiration date.

• If Cosentyx (secukinumab) pens or prefilled syringes has been sitting at room temperature for less than 4 days, you can put it back in the fridge one time. If you do, the medication can be used up until the manufacturer's expiration date on the package.

• Cosentyx (secukinumab) is available as a Sensoready Pen, Unoready Pen, and prefilled syringe. If appropriate, your provider can train you or your caregiver to give Cosentyx (secukinumab) injections at home. Refer to the instructions for use, depending on the product you have for how to properly inject the medication.

• When you're ready for yourCosentyx (secukinumab) dose, take the medication out of the carton and lay it on a flat surface to warm up. This should take about 15 to 30 minutes (for the Sensoready Pen and 75 mg and 150 mg prefilled syringes) or 30 to 45 minutes (for the Unoready Pen and 300 mg prefilled syringe). Don't try to warm up the medication any other way (e.g., microwave or run under hot water) because this can damage it. Don't freeze or shake the medication either.

• Always check that the medication is clear, colorless or slightly yellow, and doesn't have particles. If Cosentyx (secukinumab) is discolored, cloudy, or has particles, don't use it. Contact your pharmacy about a replacement.

• You can self-inject into the front of your thighs or stomach at least 2 inches away from your belly button). If someone else is giving you the injection, they can inject Cosentyx (secukinumab) into the outside of your upper arms.

• Don't inject Cosentyx (secukinumab) into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or in an area affected by psoriasis. Rotate the site of injection with each administration to avoid any irritation. Never inject it into your muscle or vein.

• After your Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection, place the medication in a sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container (e.g., empty milk carton, laundry detergent bottle) to lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw away syringes or autoinjectors into your trash can. Visit the FDA's website for guidance on how to safely throw away your sharps container in your specific state.

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No, Cosentyx (secukinumab) isn't a steroid. But rather, it's a monoclonal antibody known as an IL-17 inhibitor. Cosentyx (secukinumab) works similarly to steroids in that it lowers inflammation in your body to relieve symptoms like pain and swelling.

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Yes, Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a type of biologic medication. Biologics are medications that are made from living sources, like cells, in the lab. Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a monoclonal antibody, which is a lab-made protein that's made from cells.

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Cosentyx (secukinumab) acts like an immunosuppressant because works by blocking a protein (IL-17) in your immune system that's overly active. In doing so, this medication dampens the immune system and can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. But keep in mind that there are many types of immunosuppressants and they don't all have the same effect on your immune system. For example, Cosentyx (secukinumab) is less likely to raise your risk for infection compared to stronger immunosuppressants, such as organ transplant medications.

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It takes about 5 months for most of Cosentyx (secukinumab) to leave your body after a single dose. This time-frame is estimated based on the half-life of Cosentyx (secukinumab) in people with PsO; it doesn't mean that this medication will continue to work well throughout this period. In order for Cosentyx (secukinumab) treat your condition, you'll typically need to take it monthly or as directed by your provider.

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No, hair loss wasn't a reported side effect from people receiving Cosentyx (secukinumab) during clinical trials. Contact your provider if you notice hair loss while you're taking Cosentyx (secukinumab). They can examine you for other possible causes of hair loss.

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No, Cosentyx (secukinumab) doesn't typically cause weight gain or weight loss. Contact your provider if you notice significant changes in weight while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab).

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How long it takes for Cosentyx (secukinumab) to work can depend on what condition you're taking it to treat. For example, some people with psoriatic arthritis started to feel relief in as early as 3 weeks, though many experienced more noticeable improvements after 4 to 6 months of treatment. In a study of people with plaque psoriasis, most people saw clear or almost clear skin about 3 months after starting Cosentyx (secukinumab). Keep in mind that everyone responds to Cosentyx (secukinumab) differently. Follow up with your provider about how well Cosentyx (secukinumab) is working for your medical condition.

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If possible, you should keep Cosentyx (secukinumab) Sensoready Pens and prefilled syringes in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. But if needed, you can leave the medication at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure to write the new 4-day expiration date on the medication box. If you don't use the medication before the 4-day expiration, throw it away.

Cosentyx (secukinumab)

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