Cosentyx injection for treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and related conditions

Cosentyx is an injectable medicine approved to treat several inflammatory conditions including moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. It is used in both adult and pediatric patients depending on the condition and helps reduce disease activity by targeting specific immune system pathways.

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older who require systemic therapy or phototherapy.
• Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and above.
• Active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older.
• Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults with objective signs of inflammation.
• Active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) in pediatric patients 4 years and older.
• Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

secukinumab

Cosentyx contains secukinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in inflammatory processes. By blocking IL-17A, Cosentyx reduces inflammatory responses that contribute to symptoms and progression of diseases like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions.

General Pre-Treatment Requirements

• Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations before starting therapy.
• Evaluate for active or latent tuberculosis (TB). Treat latent TB before initiating Cosentyx; avoid use in active TB.

Administration Routes

• Subcutaneous injection (preferred for most indications and pediatric patients).
• Intravenous infusion (adults only, for certain conditions).

Dosage by Condition and Population

• Adults: 300 mg subcutaneously at Weeks 0,1,2,3,4, then every 4 weeks. Some may use 150 mg dosing.
• Pediatric (6 years and older): Weight-based: 75 mg for

• Adults: With coexistent moderate-severe psoriasis, follow psoriasis dosing. Otherwise, 150 mg subcutaneously with or without loading dose (loading: Weeks 0,1,2,3,4; maintenance: every 4 weeks). If inadequate response, consider increasing to 300 mg every 4 weeks.
• Adults (intravenous): Loading 6 mg/kg at Week 0, then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks (max 300 mg per infusion); or maintenance without loading 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
• Pediatric (2 years and older): Weight-based subcutaneous injections: 75 mg (15 to

• Adults: 150 mg subcutaneously with or without loading (loading at Weeks 0,1,2,3,4, then every 4 weeks). Increase to 300 mg if active disease persists.
• Adults (intravenous): Loading 6 mg/kg at Week 0, then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks (max 300 mg per infusion); or maintenance without loading 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
• Pediatric (12 years and older): Weight-based subcutaneous dose: 75 mg (

• 150 mg subcutaneously with or without loading per schedules above.
• Intravenous dosing follows same weight-based regimen as ankylosing spondylitis.

• Weight-based subcutaneous: 75 mg for 15 to

• Adults: 300 mg subcutaneously at Weeks 0,1,2,3,4 and every 4 weeks. If inadequate response, increase to 300 mg every 2 weeks.
• Adults (intravenous): Loading dose 4.5 mg/kg at Weeks 0,2,4, then maintenance 1.5 mg/kg every 2 weeks (max 300 mg per infusion).
• Pediatric (12 years and older): Subcutaneous dosing: 150 mg (30 to

Administration Notes

• Subcutaneous injections should be given at different sites (arms, thighs, abdomen), avoiding skin affected by psoriasis or irritation.
• Pediatric patients should have injections administered by a trained adult caregiver.
• Intravenous infusions are performed by healthcare professionals only over 30 minutes using diluted solution as per body weight.
• Do not co-infuse Cosentyx with other drugs through the same IV line.
• Allow refrigerated injection devices to reach room temperature before administration (15 to 45 minutes depending on device type).

• Active tuberculosis infection.
• Hypersensitivity to secukinumab or any excipients.

Serious Risks and Precautions

• Tuberculosis: Active TB is a contraindication; screen and treat latent TB before starting Cosentyx.
• Infections: Increased risk of infections; monitor closely. Avoid use in patients with active infections.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious allergic reactions may occur; discontinue if suspected.
• Latex allergy: Some injection pen caps contain natural rubber latex; avoid in latex-sensitive individuals.
• Live vaccines: Complete all appropriate vaccinations before starting therapy; avoid live vaccines during treatment.

Common Side Effects

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Nasopharyngitis
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects

• Serious infections requiring medical attention
• Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis
• Possible exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease

No formal drug interaction studies have been reported. Co-administration with methotrexate is permitted and does not affect dosage recommendations. There are no known data on intravenous infusion compatibility with other drugs; co-infusion is not recommended.

The label does not provide specific pregnancy or lactation information.

No specific overdose information is provided; management should be symptomatic and supportive.

• Store refrigerated before use.
• Allow injection devices to warm to room temperature before injection.
• Diluted intravenous solutions may be stored up to 24 hours refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light or 4.5 hours at room temperature before infusion.
• Do not use if solution is discolored or contains particles.