Secukinumab

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Cosentyx; Cosentyx (300 MG Dose); Cosentyx Sensoready (300 MG); Cosentyx Sensoready Pen; Cosentyx UnoReady

Brand Names: Canada

Cosentyx

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat plaque psoriasis.
• It is used to treat some types of arthritis.
• It is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
• It is used to treat a skin problem called hidradenitis suppurativa.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have an infection.
• If you have TB (tuberculosis).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor. Some products have latex.
• Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• You may have more of a chance of getting an infection. Some infections have been severe or deadly. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before treatment with this drug.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• You will need a TB (tuberculosis) test before starting this drug.
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, talk with your doctor. New and worsening inflammatory bowel disease has happened with this drug. Sometimes this may be very bad. Talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on the body.
• Sweating a lot.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Passing urine more often.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Severe skin problems that look like eczema have happened with this drug. This can happen within days to months after the first dose. Some of these have had to be treated in the hospital. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, dry or leathery skin, small bumps or patches, redness, blisters, peeling, or other skin irritation.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Signs of a common cold.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Prefilled syringes or pens:

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
• This drug may be given into the outer area of the upper arm if given by someone else.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
• Do not give into skin that is affected by psoriasis.
• Do not shake.
• Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
• Before using this drug, take it out of the refrigerator. Allow it to reach room temperature. Some products will take 15 to 30 minutes. Some products will take 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure you know how long to let your product sit out. Do not heat this drug.
• Each prefilled pen or syringe is for one use only.
• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Vials (for IV infusion):

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Prefilled syringes or pens:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store in the outer carton to protect from light.

SensoReady pens, 150 mg/mL prefilled syringes, and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes:

• If needed, this drug can be left out at room temperature for up to 4 days. Protect from heat. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. Throw this drug away if it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 4 days.
• If this drug has been out of the refrigerator for less than 4 days, it can be put back in the refrigerator 1 time only. It must be kept in the refrigerator until you use it or until it expires.

Vials (for IV infusion):

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-12-05

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