Key takeaways

  • Cosentyx is an injectable biologic drug that reduces inflammation associated with conditions such as plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
  • While Cosentyx is effective in easing symptoms of various conditions, it can also cause side effects. Examples of side effects this drug can cause include diarrhea, headache, and allergic reaction.
  • Your doctor can show you how to inject Cosentyx so that you may receive doses at home.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cosentyx to treat:

Drug details

Cosentyx contains secukinumab. This drug is a type of biologic, which is made from a living or natural source. Cosentyx is a kind of biologic called a monoclonal antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that work to decrease inflammation. This includes the inflammation that causes the conditions Cosentyx treats.

Cosentyx is an injectable drug that comes as a solution in three single-use forms:

  • an UnoReady pen
  • a Sensoready pen
  • a prefilled syringe

All forms of Cosentyx are used to give the drug as a subcutaneous injection.

At first, your healthcare professional will give you the injection. After that, you can learn how to give yourself injections at home.

Cosentyx can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while receiving Cosentyx. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Cosentyx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while receiving Cosentyx and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-332-1088.

Mild side effects

The mild side effects of Cosentyx, which are described in “Side effect details,” can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Cosentyx are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Infection. This can include severe respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, and fungal infections, such as candidiasis. Symptoms can include:
    • fever
    • diarrhea
    • feeling tired
    • throat pain
    • stuffy nose
    • itchy skin rash
  • Allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
    • difficulty breathing
    • hives
    • swelling of the lips or face
  • Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of your large intestine). Symptoms can include:
    • diarrhea, sometimes with bleeding
    • weight loss
    • abdominal pain
    • feeling tired
  • Eczematous eruptions (skin reactions that resemble eczema and can lead to hospitalization). Symptoms can include:
    • patches of skin that are scaly and dry
    • sores
    • skin discoloration
    • itchiness
    • rash

Eczematous eruptions were not reported in clinical trials of Cosentyx. But they were reported after the drug was approved.

To learn more about allergic reaction and ulcerative colitis, see “Side effect details” next.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on some of the side effects this drug may or may not cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after receiving Cosentyx.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • difficulty breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Cosentyx, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Diarrhea

You may have diarrhea during Cosentyx treatment, as clinical trials of the drug reported this side effect.

How often diarrhea occurs may differ based on what condition you’re receiving Cosentyx to treat. If you’re concerned about diarrhea while receiving Cosentyx, talk with your doctor. They may be able to reduce your dose of the drug, which may help relieve diarrhea.

Colds

You may be more likely to get a cold while receiving Cosentyx. This was a more common side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug.

How often you get a cold while receiving Cosentyx may depend on what condition the medication is treating. If you develop a cold that’s taking a long time to go away or is bothersome, talk with your doctor.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a very rare side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in your colon (large intestine).

Clinical trials also showed that people who already had ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease had flare-ups of their condition during Cosentyx treatment. (Like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease.)

If you’re concerned about new or worsening ulcerative colitis while receiving Cosentyx, talk with your doctor. They may monitor you for signs of ulcerative colitis. But if you already have the condition, your doctor may suggest a treatment other than Cosentyx.

Cancer

Currently, there’s no link between Cosentyx and cancer. But Cosentyx may increase the risk of developing cancer. This is because Cosentyx may reduce the activity of your immune system.

With a weakened immune system, it’s harder for your body to recognize when your cells are not growing properly. Usually, your immune system helps prevent cancer cells from starting to multiply. But if your immune system is not working properly, cancer cells may grow more easily.

There are no studies showing whether Cosentyx increases or decreases the risk of cancer in humans.

If you’re concerned about developing cancer while receiving Cosentyx, talk with your doctor.

The Cosentyx dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cosentyx to treat.

Sometimes, your doctor may start you on a higher dose of Cosentyx at the beginning of your treatment. This is called a loading dose. A loading dose is used so that there’s enough medication in your body to start working right away. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Cosentyx is typically given as a subcutaneous injection. The following table describes the drug’s forms and strengths in milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL):

FormStrengths
solution in a single-use UnoReady pen• 300 mg/2 mL
solution in a single-use Sensoready pen• 150 mg/mL
solution in a single-use prefilled syringe• 300 mg/2 mL
• 150 mg/mL
• 75 mg/0.5 mL (for use in certain children)

At first, a healthcare professional will give you the injection. Once they train you, you’ll be able to give yourself injections at home with an injection pen or the prefilled syringe. One form may be easier for you to use than another. Ask your doctor which form of Cosentyx is best for you.

Note: For some of the conditions Cosentyx treats in adults, a healthcare professional may administer the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein that’s given over time) in a clinical setting.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

The recommended dosage for plaque psoriasis in adults is 300 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, you’ll receive a 300-mg dose of Cosentyx once every 4 weeks. Doses may be given as one 300-mg injection or as two 150-mg injections.

For information about dosages used in children, see the “Children’s dosage” section.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For adults with both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the recommended dosage is 300 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, you’ll receive a 300-mg dose once every 4 weeks. Doses may be given as one 300-mg injection or as two 150-mg injections.

For adults with only active psoriatic arthritis, the manufacturer recommends two different Cosentyx dosages. Depending on how severe your condition is, your doctor may give you a loading dose. (A loading dose is a higher dose of medication at the beginning of treatment so that the drug can start working more quickly.) You’ll have a 150-mg injection once per week for 5 weeks. Then you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

If your doctor does not think that a loading dose is the right option, you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

It’s possible to still have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis with 150-mg doses of Cosentyx. In this case, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

For information about dosages used in children, see the “Children’s dosage” section.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

The manufacturer of Cosentyx recommends two different dosages for helping to treat ankylosing spondylitis in adults.

Depending on how severe your condition is, your doctor may give you a loading dose. You’ll have a 150-mg injection once per week for 5 weeks. Then you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

The second recommended dosage does not include a loading dose. With this dosing schedule, you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

It’s possible to still have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis with 150-mg doses of Cosentyx. In this case, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 4 weeks. This dose may be given as one 300-mg injection or as two 150-mg injections.

Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

The manufacturer of Cosentyx recommends two different dosages for helping treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults.

Depending on how severe your condition is, your doctor may give you a loading dose. You’ll have a 150-mg injection once per week for 5 weeks. Then you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

The second recommended dosage does not include a loading dose. With this dosing schedule, you’ll have a 150-mg injection every 4 weeks.

Dosage for enthesitis-related arthritis

The recommended dose for enthesitis-related arthritis varies with body weight as follows:

  • For adults who weigh 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For adults who weigh 50 kilograms or more, the dose is 150 mg.

For treating enthesitis-related arthritis, you’ll receive Cosentyx doses once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, you’ll receive your Cosentyx dose once every 4 weeks.

For information about dosages used in children, see the “Children’s dosage” section.

Dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa

The recommended dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa in adults is 300 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, you’ll receive a 300-mg dose of Cosentyx once every 4 weeks. Doses may be given as one 300-mg injection or as two 150-mg injections.

If your symptoms do not lessen with this dosing schedule, your doctor may recommend that you receive 300 mg of Cosentyx every 2 weeks.

Children’s dosage

Recommended Cosentyx dosages for children are described here.

Children’s dosage for plaque psoriasis

The recommended dose for plaque psoriasis in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

Children’s dosage for psoriatic arthritis

The recommended dose for psoriatic arthritis in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

Children’s dosage for enthesitis-related arthritis

The recommended dose for enthesitis-related arthritis in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given once per week for 5 weeks. After the fifth dose, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Cosentyx, have your injection as soon as you remember. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about when to take your next dose.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Cosentyx is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cosentyx is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Cosentyx to treat certain conditions. Cosentyx may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Cosentyx for plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a condition that causes itchy patches (plaques) to form on your skin. Plaques are created when skin cells build up too quickly. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.

Cosentyx is approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s used in people who may need phototherapy or systemic therapy. Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis plaques. Systemic therapy is medication that works throughout your entire body to stop plaques from forming.

For details about this condition, you can refer to this article: Cosentyx for psoriasis. You can also visit our psoriasis hub.

Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating plaque psoriasis. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis (swelling of the joints) that can affect people with psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks your joints and causes them to swell. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joints in your body and cause them to become painful and swollen. For details about this condition, you can refer to our arthritis hub.

Cosentyx is approved for use in adults and children ages 2 years and older with active psoriatic arthritis. (“Active” means that you currently have symptoms.)

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating psoriatic arthritis. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Cosentyx for ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects your spine. The condition occurs when your immune system attacks the joints in your spine, causing them to swell and become painful.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include stiffness, back pain, and reduced flexibility. You may also have a hunched posture if you have ankylosing spondylitis.

Cosentyx is approved for use in adults with ankylosing spondylitis.

Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating ankylosing spondylitis. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Cosentyx for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and pelvis. “Non-radiographic” means its effects in the body are not seen on X-rays.

With spondyloarthritis, you may have back and hip pain. You could also have pain in other areas of your body if they’re affected by inflammation from this condition.

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, Cosentyx is used in adults.

Effectiveness for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Cosentyx for enthesitis-related arthritis

Enthesitis is inflammation that affects the entheses, which are areas on the bones where the tendons and ligaments attach.

With enthesitis, you may have pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint.

For enthesitis-related arthritis, Cosentyx is used in adults and children ages 4 years and older.

Effectiveness for enthesitis-related arthritis

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating enthesitis-related arthritis. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Cosentyx for hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory skin disease that causes painful lesions, such as inflamed nodules or abscesses, under the skin. These develop in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, or inner thighs. Over time, they may drain fluid, form tunnels under the skin, and cause scarring.

While the exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, the condition is linked to blocked hair follicles and inflammation. Flare-ups can be triggered by heat, stress, friction, and other factors.

For hidradenitis suppurativa, Cosentyx is used in adults.

Effectiveness for hidradenitis suppurativa

In clinical trials, Cosentyx was found to be effective in treating hidradenitis suppurativa. To learn how the drug performed in the trials, see its prescribing information.

Off-label use for Cosentyx

In addition to the uses previously listed, Cosentyx may be prescribed off-label for other uses. Off-label drug use is when a drug that the FDA approves for one use is prescribed for a different one that’s not FDA approved.

Cosentyx for rheumatoid arthritis

Cosentyx may be prescribed off-label for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With RA, swelling occurs in your joints, especially in your hands and feet. And your immune system is overactive.

A pooled analysis of three clinical studies looked at Cosentyx in people with RA. Researchers found that some doses of Cosentyx were effective for easing RA symptoms in people for whom other medications were not effective.

In the future, Cosentyx may be an option for people with RA because the drug can help slow down swelling in joints. However, Cosentyx has not yet been approved for the treatment of RA. More studies are needed to show whether Cosentyx is safe and effective for treating RA.

As with all medications, the cost of Cosentyx can vary. The price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can refer to this article for details about the cost of Cosentyx treatment: Cosentyx (secukinumab) and cost.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Cosentyx, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

The manufacturer of Cosentyx offers a program called Cosentyx Connect. This program may help lower the cost of your medication. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.

Other ways to save on the cost of this drug:

  • Comparing pharmacies: The price of Cosentyx may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
  • Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
  • Financial assistance: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

Cosentyx is available only as a brand-name biologic medication. It contains the active ingredient secukinumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Cosentyx is not currently available in biosimilar form.

A biosimilar is a medication that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug. Because biologic medications are made from parts of living organisms, they cannot be exactly copied. A generic medication, on the other hand, contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name drug. (Generics are based on regular medications, which are made from chemicals.)

Biosimilars and generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Sometimes Cosentyx is prescribed with other medications to help make treatment more effective.

For example, if you have psoriatic arthritis, you may take oral medications along with Cosentyx. These include methotrexate (Trexall) or hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). The combination of Cosentyx and an oral medication may be more effective in treating psoriatic arthritis than using Cosentyx alone.

Cosentyx should never be used at the same time as other biologic medications, such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), or ustekinumab (Stelara). Taking more than one biologic medication increases your risk of side effects, such as serious infections. It’s very important that your doctor and pharmacist know all the medications and supplements that you’re taking with Cosentyx.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Cosentyx, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are prescribed off-label to treat these specific conditions.

Alternatives for plaque psoriasis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat plaque psoriasis include:

Alternatives for psoriatic arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • apremilast (Otezla)
  • ixekizumab (Taltz)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • methotrexate (Trexall)

Alternatives for ankylosing spondylitis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • certolizumab (Cimzia)

Alternatives for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis include:

  • certolizumab (Cimzia)
  • ixekizumab (Taltz)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)

Alternatives for enthesitis-related arthritis

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat enthesitis-related arthritis include:

  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)
  • methotrexate (Trexall)

Alternatives for hidradenitis suppurativa

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa include:

  • adalimumab (Humira)
  • infliximab (Remicade)
  • ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • etanercept (Enbrel)

You may wonder how Cosentyx compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Cosentyx and Humira are alike and different. To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article: Cosentyx vs. Humira.

Uses

Both Cosentyx and Humira are approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and in children ages 6 years and older. For treating this condition with either drug, the person must be eligible for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis plaques. Systemic therapy is medication that works throughout your entire body to stop plaques from forming.

Both Cosentyx and Humira are also approved for use in adults with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or hidradenitis suppurativa. Cosentyx also treats psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. Humira also treats hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older.

In addition to these conditions, Cosentyx also treats:

To learn more about Cosentyx’s approved uses, see the “Cosentyx uses” section.

Humira is also approved to treat:

Drug forms and administration

Cosentyx contains the active ingredient secukinumab. Humira contains the active ingredient adalimumab.

Both Cosentyx and Humira are given as a subcutaneous injection. At first, a healthcare professional will give you the injection. Once they train you, you’ll be able to give yourself injections at home.

For some of the conditions Cosentyx treats in adults, a healthcare professional may administer the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein that’s given over time) in a clinical setting.

How often you’ll take doses of either drug depends on the condition you’re treating and your age. Your doctor can recommend the dosage of Cosentyx or Humira that’s right for you.

Side effects and risks

Cosentyx and Humira contain different active ingredients but are in the same class of medications. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) As a result, these medications can cause similar and different side effects. Here you’ll find examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Cosentyx, with Humira, or with both drugs (when received individually).

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Cosentyx, with Humira, or with both drugs (when received individually).

Humira has boxed warnings regarding the risk of cancer and risk of serious infections. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Cosentyx and Humira have some different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Separate studies of the two drugs were compared in a larger review of studies for plaque psoriasis. Researchers found that Cosentyx was more effective than Humira for treating plaque psoriasis.

A clinical trial compared Cosentyx and Humira in people with psoriatic arthritis. This trial did not show a difference in results between Cosentyx and Humira.

Costs

Cosentyx and Humira are both brand-name drugs. Cosentyx is not currently available in biosimilar form. But Humira has several biosimilars available. Examples include Hyrimoz, Idacio, Amjevita, and Hadlima. They may cost less than Humira and Cosentyx.

A biosimilar is a medication that’s similar to a brand-name drug. A generic medication, on the other hand, is an exact copy of a brand-name drug. Biosimilars are based on biologic medications, which are made from parts of living organisms. Generics are based on regular medications, which are made from chemicals. Biosimilars and generics also usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The actual price you’ll pay for Cosentyx or Humira depends on your insurance plan, your location, the pharmacy you use, your dose of medication, and how often you are receiving it.

In addition to Humira (described previously), Stelara is another drug that has some uses similar to those of Cosentyx. Here we look at how Cosentyx and Stelara are alike and different. To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article: Cosentyx vs. Stelara.

Uses

Both Cosentyx and Stelara are approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. For treating this condition with either drug, the person must be eligible for phototherapy or systemic therapy. (Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis plaques. Systemic therapy is medication that works throughout your entire body to stop plaques from forming.) Cosentyx and Stelara treat this condition in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

Cosentyx and Stelara are both approved to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults and certain children. Cosentyx can be used for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older. Stelara can be used in children ages 6 years and older with psoriatic arthritis.

In addition to these conditions, Cosentyx also treats:

To learn more about Cosentyx’s approved uses, see the “Cosentyx uses” section.

Stelara is also approved for use in adults to treat:

Drug forms and administration

Cosentyx contains the active ingredient secukinumab. Stelara contains the active ingredient ustekinumab. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Cosentyx is usually given as a subcutaneous injection. At first, a healthcare professional will give you the injection. Once they train you, you’ll be able to give yourself injections at home. For children, the manufacturer of Cosentyx recommends that an adult caregiver administer the drug.

For some of the conditions Cosentyx treats in adults, a healthcare professional may administer the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein that’s given over time) in a clinical setting.

Stelara is also given as a subcutaneous injection. For adults, your healthcare professional will give you the injection at first. Once they train you, you’ll be able to give yourself injections at home. For children, the manufacturer recommends that a healthcare professional administer Stelara injections.

For Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, Stelara is given as an IV infusion at the start of treatment. You’ll receive IV infusions from a healthcare professional. After this, the drug is given as a subcutaneous injection.

How often you’ll take doses of either Cosentyx or Stelara depends on the condition you’re treating and your age. Your doctor can recommend the dosage of either drug that’s right for you.

Side effects and risks

Cosentyx and Stelara contain different active ingredients, but they belong to the same class of medications. Therefore, both medications can cause very similar side effects, and may have some different side effects. Here you’ll find examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Cosentyx, with Stelara, or with both drugs (when received individually).

  • Can occur with Cosentyx:
    • rash
  • Can occur with Stelara:
  • Can occur with both Cosentyx and Stelara:
    • minor respiratory infections, such as the common cold
    • headache
    • diarrhea

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Cosentyx, with Stelara, or with both drugs (when received individually).

  • Can occur with Cosentyx:
    • new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
    • eczematous eruptions, which are skin reactions that resemble eczema and can lead to hospitalization (Eczematous eruptions were not reported in studies of Cosentyx, but they were reported after the drug was approved.)
  • Can occur with Stelara:
    • increased risk of cancers, such as skin cancer
    • depression
    • a rare brain condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)
  • Can occur with both Cosentyx and Stelara:
    • serious allergic reactions
    • serious infections, including severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis

Effectiveness

Cosentyx and Stelara have some different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults.

The use of Cosentyx and Stelara in treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis has been directly compared in a 2018 clinical trial. The trial showed that Cosentyx was more effective than Stelara at treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis at 16 weeks.

For their other approved uses, these drugs have each been shown to be effective in separate clinical trials. You can refer to the prescribing information for Stelara and Cosentyx for details.

Costs

Cosentyx and Stelara are both brand-name drugs. Cosentyx is not currently available in biosimilar form. Biosimilars for Stelara include Wezlana, Selarsdi, Pyzchiva, Steqeyma, and Yesintek.

A biosimilar is a medication that’s similar to a brand-name drug. A generic medication, on the other hand, is an exact copy of a brand-name drug. Biosimilars are based on biologic medications, which are made from parts of living organisms. Generics are based on regular medications, which are made from chemicals. Biosimilars and generics also usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The actual price you’ll pay for either Cosentyx or Stelara depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

As with Humira and Stelara (discussed previously), Taltz has some uses that are similar to those of Cosentyx.

Both Cosentyx and Taltz are used to treat plaque psoriasis in certain adults and children ages 6 years and older. For treating this condition with either drug, the person must be eligible for phototherapy or systemic therapy. (Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis plaques. Systemic therapy is medication that works throughout your entire body to stop plaques from forming.)

Cosentyx and Taltz are also both approved to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. Cosentyx also treats this condition in children ages 2 years and older.

In addition, these medications are both approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults.

Cosentyx is also approved to treat enthesitis-related arthritis in adults and children ages 4 years and older, as well as to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults.

Both drugs are given as a subcutaneous injection. For some of the conditions, Cosentyx may also be administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting.

To learn more about Cosentyx’s approved uses, see the “Cosentyx uses” section.

If you’d like to see a side-by-side comparison of Cosentyx and Taltz, see “Taltz vs. Cosentyx” in this Taltz overview article. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the treatment option that’s right for you.

Similar to Humira, Stelara, and Taltz (discussed previously), Otezla has some shared uses with Cosentyx.

Both Cosentyx and Otezla are used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in certain adults. Cosentyx also treats these conditions in certain children.

In addition, Cosentyx is approved for treating:

Also, Otezla is used in adults to treat mouth ulcers related to Behçet’s disease.

Cosentyx is usually given as a subcutaneous injection. For some of the conditions, Cosentyx may also be administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting. Otezla comes as an oral tablet, which you take by mouth.

To learn more about Cosentyx’s approved uses, see the “Cosentyx uses” section. If you’d like to read more about Otezla, see this Otezla overview.

If you have questions about the treatment that’s best for your condition, ask your doctor.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cosentyx.

Does Cosentyx cause weight gain or weight loss?

It’s not likely. Weight loss and weight gain are not side effects of Cosentyx. In clinical trials, Cosentyx did not increase or decrease people’s weight in any way. However, other medications in the same class as Cosentyx can cause weight changes. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

If you do experience weight loss with Cosentyx, it could indicate an infection. Keep in mind that Cosentyx may increase your risk of infection. You should tell your doctor if you experience any weight loss or other symptoms of an infection. (See the “Serious side effects” list earlier for examples of symptoms.)

If you’re concerned about weight loss or weight gain, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage a weight that is healthy for you.

Can Cosentyx cause hair loss?

No, hair loss is not a side effect of Cosentyx. In clinical trials of Cosentyx, there were no reports of people losing their hair.

However, if you have scalp psoriasis, hair loss can happen due to itching and irritating the area where the roots of your hair grow. Usually, hair loss due to itching is not permanent, and your hair should grow back.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause and suggest ways to treat it.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop Cosentyx treatment?

If you stop receiving Cosentyx, you should not have withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop using a drug your body depends on to function like usual.) However, once you stop receiving the medication, symptoms of your condition may come back again.

To help prevent this, your doctor may slowly decrease your dose instead of stopping your treatment all at once.

If you’re concerned about withdrawal symptoms after you stop Cosentyx treatment, talk with your doctor.

Can I receive Cosentyx if I’ve had tuberculosis?

Yes, but first you may need to be treated for tuberculosis (TB). TB is a lung disease caused by a bacterial infection. Even if you do not have symptoms, the bacteria that cause TB can still be in your body if you’ve had TB in the past.

Your doctor will need to treat the TB before you can start Cosentyx. This is because Cosentyx may reduce your immune system activity. As a result, your TB may become active again.

After you complete treatment for TB, you can start Cosentyx. While you receive Cosentyx, your doctor may test you to make sure that the TB does not become active (cause symptoms).

There’s no interaction between Cosentyx and alcohol. However, alcohol may negatively affect how well your body responds to treatment for plaque psoriasis.

Alcohol may also interact with other medications used to treat the conditions Cosentyx treats. These medications include methotrexate (Trexall), which is sometimes taken with Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis. The combination of alcohol and methotrexate can cause severe liver damage.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor. They can tell you how much alcohol is safe for you to drink, if any, during Cosentyx treatment.

Cosentyx can interact with some vaccines. It is not known to interact with supplements or foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Cosentyx and other medications and vaccines

This section lists vaccines that should not be received during Cosentyx treatment. This article does not contain all the substances that may interact with Cosentyx.

Before starting Cosentyx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about possible interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cosentyx and vaccines

You should not get any live vaccines during Cosentyx treatment. These vaccines contain a weakened form of a bacteria or virus.

If you have a healthy immune system, live vaccines should not make you sick. However, Cosentyx may reduce your immune system activity. So your body may not be able to fight the bacteria or virus in the vaccine as well as usual.

Examples of live vaccines that should be avoided while receiving Cosentyx include:

However, inactive vaccines are safe to get during your Cosentyx treatment. These vaccines do not have any live viruses in them. Examples of inactive vaccines include:

Before you start Cosentyx, ask your doctor if you need to get any vaccines.

Antibiotics (not an interaction)

Cosentyx does not interact with any antibiotics (drugs that treat infections caused by bacteria). However, while you’re receiving Cosentyx, the risk of developing an infection increases. This is because Cosentyx may reduce your immune system activity.

If you do develop an infection during Cosentyx treatment, you may need to be treated with antibiotics. Ask your doctor how you can avoid infections during your treatment.

Cosentyx and herbs and supplements

There are no herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Cosentyx. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while receiving Cosentyx.

You should receive Cosentyx according to your doctor’s or another healthcare professional’s instructions.

You’ll get your first dose of Cosentyx at your doctor’s office. A healthcare professional may then teach you how to give yourself (or your child) injections at home.

The Cosentyx website has helpful videos about the proper way to give injections with the UnoReady pen, Sensoready pen, or prefilled syringe. You can also talk with a Cosentyx support specialist and get live virtual injection training. Call Cosentyx Connect at 844-COSENTYX (844-267-3689).

When to receive

Depending on what condition you have and how long you’ve been treating it, you’ll receive Cosentyx either once every week or once every 4 weeks. You should receive Cosentyx on the same day each week or month.

Cosentyx treats the following conditions, which all involve inflammation in your body:

Cosentyx works by slowing down immune system activity, which can cause inflammation. To learn more about how Cosentyx works for these conditions, see this Cosentyx: How it works article.

If you can become pregnant or are breastfeeding, it’s important to consider whether Cosentyx is a safe choice for you.

There’s not enough data to show whether the medication is safe to receive during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

For more information, you can refer to this Cosentyx reproductive health article. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.

Before receiving Cosentyx, talk with your doctor about your health history. Cosentyx may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Cosentyx, see the “Cosentyx side effects” section.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Cosentyx can lead to serious side effects. (To learn more, see “Serious side effects” in the “Cosentyx side effects” section.)

There were no overdoses in clinical trials of Cosentyx.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve received too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.