Secukinumab
Drug Class: Biologics (IL-inhibitor)
Brand Names: Cosentyx
Dosages
For ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA): 150 mg every 4 weeks with or without a loading dose of 150 mg at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
For psoriatic arthritis: 150 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks with or without a loading dosage of 150 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: 300 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks with a loading dose of 300 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. NOTE: Each 300 mg dosage is given as 2 subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.
Potential Side Effects
Caution should be used when prescribing secukinumab to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Exacerbations, in some cases serious, occurred in secukinumab treated patients during clinical trials in plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, new onset inflammatory bowel disease cases occurred in clinical trials with secukinumab.
Special Instructions
Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment.
Must be kept refrigerated. Do not freeze. Inject into thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites. Do not inject where skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
LAST UPDATED: 02/02/2016
Be Aware
All biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
LAST UPDATED: 7/28/2020