Cosentyx

Uses of Cosentyx

Cosentyx  is used to treat types of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, enthesitis-related arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, which are autoimmune conditions. Cosentyx is an immunosuppressant medicine that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that can cause inflammation.

Cosentyx is a monoclonal antibody from a group of medicines called interleukin (IL) inhibitors that work by blocking the activity of a protein called IL-17A.  People who have autoimmune conditions have increased levels of this protein. By Cosentyx blocking the protein’s activity, it reduces inflammation, pain, swelling, and skin symptoms that you may have.

Precautions and Warnings

Before using secukinumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe/pen), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis, herpes), bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).

Cosentyxcan make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using Cosentyx before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Dosage

Your dosage of Cosentyx will depend on the condition being treated, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and other factors.

In some cases, your doctor may have you start on a higher dose of Cosentyx. This is called a loading dose or a starting dose.

A loading dose is used to make sure there’s enough medication in your body to start working right away to provide symptom relief. Later doses will likely be given less often than the loading dose. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• diarrhea
• cold symptoms

Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as

• redness, warmth, or painful sores on your skin;
• cough, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus;
• increased urination, burning when you urinate;
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or “thrush”);
• new or worsening diarrhea or stomach pain; or
• fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, weight loss.