Cosentyx: An FDA-Approved Medication for Autoimmune Diseases

Cosentyx is an FDA-approved medication manufactured by Novartis. Cosentyx was authorized by the FDA on January 21, 2015, and it is used to treat a number of autoimmune diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

What Is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a brand-name drug that contains the active component secukinumab. This medication works by inhibiting a protein known as interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which plays a role in causing inflammation in the body. 

Cosentyx is a prescription injection, and it is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. 

What Is Cosentyx Used To Treat?

Cosentyx is a medicine that works by blocking a protein called interleukin-17A. The following are the conditions that this drug can treat [2]:

Active psoriatic arthritis (PsA): This is an inflammatory joint disease. Some people with psoriasis are affected by it. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are all symptoms of PsA. Cosentyx is prescribed to patients aged 2 and up.

Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It causes skin rashes, itchy rashes, and skin inflammation. A great option for treating plaque psoriasis is Cosentyx. Cosentyx is prescribed to patients aged 6 and up. 

Active ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis that mostly impacts the back. It can cause back pain and stiffness. Cosentyx may be a good option for adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: This is also a type of arthritis. It mainly affects your spine. It inflames the spine and the sacroiliac joints. However, it is undetectable in X-rays. In adults, Cosentyx is used to treat this condition.

Active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA): This is a disease of the joints and the spine. It takes place when the immune system mistakenly targets the joints. Cosentyx is an excellent treatment option for people suffering from ERA. 

How Does Cosentyx Work?

Your immune system produces antibodies, which are proteins that protect you from infections. Your immune system can occasionally produce proteins that cause inflammation. One of them is Interleukin 17A. If you have psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis, this protein can worsen these conditions.

Cosentyx works by blocking the Interleukin 17A protein. This way, it reduces inflammation in your body.

Cosentyx Dosage and Treatment

Cosentyx is an injection given under the skin. The dosage is determined by the medical condition as well as individual patient factors. In general, the recommended dosage is [2]:

Plaque Psoriasis: 

• Adults: It is recommended to administer 300 mg by injection once a week for 5 weeks. After that, the dosage is 300 mg every month. Note that a 150 mg dose is accepted for some patients.
• Children age 6 and older: The dosage is determined by body weight. The suggested dose for children weighing less than 50 kg is 75 mg. The suggested dose for children weighing more than 50 kg is 150 mg. The dose is given once a week for 5 weeks.

Psoriatic Arthritis:

• For adults: Your doctor may give you the medication with or without a loading dose. This is a greater dose of medication at the start of treatment so that the drug can begin working sooner. In the case of a loading dosage, you will receive a weekly injection of 150 mg for 5 weeks. After that, you’ll receive 150 mg every 4 weeks. Without a loading dose, you will receive a 150 mg injection every 4 weeks.
• Children aged 2 and older: The suggested dosage is once weekly for 5 weeks, then once every 4 weeks after that. For patients weighing less than 50 kg, the recommended dose is 75 mg. For patients weighing more than 50 kg, the dose is increased to 150 mg.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Cosentyx can be given with or without a loading dose. In the case of a loading dose, you will be given 150 mg once a week for 5 weeks. After that, you’ll receive 150 mg every 4 weeks. Without a loading dose, you will receive a 150 mg injection every month.

Enthesitis-Related Arthritis: The recommended dosage is administered weekly for 5 weeks. After that, the patient receives the dosage once every 4 weeks. For patients weighing less than 50 kg, the dosage is 75 mg. The dosage is 150 mg for patients weighing over or equal to 50 kg.

Cosentyx Side Effects

Cosentyx can cause serious side effects because this medicine affects the immune system. 

Mild Side Effects of Cosentyx

Some common mild side effects include:

• Headache
• Common Cold
• Skin rash
• Diarrhea

These side effects may only last a few days to a few weeks. If these side effects do not go away, contact your provider. 

Serious Side Effects of Cosentyx

Serious side effects include the following:

• Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms include trouble breathing; chest tightness; swelling of your lips, face, mouth, or throat; fainting; skin rash; and hives.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: You can suffer from digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The signs include discomfort or diarrhea.
• Infections: Cosentyx affects your immune system, which can cause some serious infections. 

Note: Contact your doctor immediately if you face any serious side effects at any point.

Cosentyx Cost

Cosentyx costs approximately $7,300 for a single 150 mg injection and $3,650 for a single 75 mg injection [4]. However, the actual price depends upon your insurance plan and location.

FAQs

1. What should I avoid when using Cosentyx?

Cosentyx will weaken your immune system. Therefore, avoid people who are sick or have infections. It is important to be careful in your daily activities. Avoid engaging in activities that put you in danger of injury. Also, do not receive a live vaccine. Some examples of live vaccines are mumps, yellow fever, rubella, measles, and some influenza vaccines. Furthermore, avoid people who recently received a live vaccine.

2. Is Cosentyx a steroid?

No. Cosentyx is a type of drug called a biologic. It is basically an immunosuppressant that reduces inflammation by blocking an antibody called interleukin-17A (IL-17A). It can treat psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and other conditions.

3. Is a Cosentyx Copay Card Available?

There are quite a few coupons, copay cards, assistance, and rebates for Cosentyx. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about copay and financial assistance. 

4. Can Cosentyx make plaque psoriasis worse?

No. Your plaque psoriasis condition will not get worse if you use Cosentyx. But, if you believe your condition is worsening, then there may be some other reason, so make sure you talk to your doctor.