COSENTYX® for psoriasis
What is COSENTYX® and how does it work?
COSENTYX® contains the active substance secukinumab, which is a fully human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind specifically to certain proteins in the body. A protein called ‘IL-17A’ is present at increased levels in diseases such as psoriasis. COSENTYX® works by neutralizing the activity of IL-17A, which in turn reduces the signs and symptoms of the disease, including pain, itching, and scaly patches.
How and when do I take COSENTYX®?
The recommended dose of COSENTYX® is 300 mg, and should be taken as two 150 mg subcutaneous self-injections using the COSENTYX® pre-filled syringe or COSENTYX® SensoReady® pen. Each 300 mg dose is given as two subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.
At the start of your treatment, you will take your COSENTYX® injections at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing.
You and your doctor should decide if you should inject COSENTYX® yourself. It is important to have been trained by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before injecting yourself. A caregiver, friend, or family member may also give your COSENTYX® injection after proper training.
Make sure you take COSENTYX® exactly as your doctor has instructed. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure.
For detailed instructions on how to inject COSENTYX®, see
“My Injection Steps card” available in the My Resources section of this website.
Important safety information to read before starting COSENTYX®
How should I store COSENTYX®?
You should store the COSENTYX® SensoReady® pen sealed in its outer box to protect it from light. It should be kept in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. DO NOT FREEZE.
If necessary, the pre-filled syringe and the SensoReady pen may be stored unrefrigerated for a single period of up to 4 days at room temperature, not above 30°C. Discard the pre-filled syringe or SensoReady pen after 4 days if left unrefrigerated.
What happens if I use too much COSENTYX®?
If you accidentally inject more COSENTYX® or sooner than instructed, inform your doctor immediately. In the event of drug overdose, contact your doctor, a member of your health care team, your local hospital emergency department, or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
What if I miss a dose?
If you have forgotten to inject a dose of COSENTYX®, take the dose when you remember and return to your regular schedule. Then talk to your doctor to discuss when you should inject the next dose.
What should I tell my doctor before starting COSENTYX®?
BEFORE you use COSENTYX® talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:
- - You currently have an infection or if you have long-term or repeated infections
- - You have tuberculosis. Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis before starting treatment
- - You ever had an allergic reaction to latex. The needle cap on the COSENTYX® SensoReady® pen and pre-filled syringe contains a derivative of latex
- - You have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- - You had a recent vaccination or if you will receive a vaccination during treatment with COSENTYX®
What if I feel unwell during my treatment?
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you get any of these symptoms during your COSENTYX® treatment.
You have worsening symptoms or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea.
Signs or symptoms of a potentially serious infection. These may include:
- - Fever, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, night sweats
- - Feeling tired or short of breath; cough which will not go away
- - Warm, red and painful skin, or a painful skin rash with blisters
- - Burning when passing water
Signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:
- - Chest tightness, difficulty breathing or swallowing
- - Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or light-headedness
- - Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
Do not use COSENTYX® if you have any signs of infection or an allergic reaction unless you are instructed to by your health care provider.
Who should not use COSENTYX®?
Do not use COSENTYX® if you had a severe allergic reaction to latex, secukinumab or any of the other ingredients of COSENTYX® (trehalose dehydrate, L-histidine/histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, water). If you think you may be allergic, talk to your doctor, and ask for advice before using COSENTYX®. Do not take COSENTYX® if you have any signs of infection or an active tuberculosis infection unless you are instructed to by your health care provider.
COSENTYX® is not recommended for children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) because it has not been studied in this age group.
Can I take COSENTYX® if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding?
Talk to your doctor before using COSENTYX®:
- - If you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant or are
- - planning to have a baby
- - COSENTYX® is not recommended during pregnancy unless
- - the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks
- - If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
- - It is not known if COSENTYX® passes into your breast milk
What other warnings should I know about?
COSENTYX® is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX® may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as infections.
What are the most common side effects associated with COSENTYX®?
As with all medicines, patients treated with COSENTYX® may experience side effects. Most of the side effects with COSENTYX® are mild to moderate. The most common side effects include:
- - Upper respiratory tract infections with symptoms such as sore
- - throat and stuffy nose (nasopharyngitis, rhinitis)
- - Cold sores (oral herpes)
- - Diarrhea
- - Itchy rash (urticaria)
- - Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
The above is not a complete list of side effects; for more complete information, refer to the Consumer Information leaflet available here.
STOP using COSENTYX® and seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following, which are signs of an allergic reaction:
- - Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- - Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- - Severe itching of the skin, with a red rash or raised bumps
