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Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a biologic medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in people age 6 and older who need full-body treatment or light therapy.
These insights are based on 617 comments about Cosentyx from MyPsoriasisTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of members and are not meant to be medical advice.
Cosentyx works by blocking interleukin (IL)-17A, a protein that drives inflammation and makes skin cells grow too fast in psoriasis. Stopping IL-17A helps reduce inflammation, slow down skin cell growth, and clear plaques.
Doctors prescribe Cosentyx when psoriasis is moderate to severe or hasn’t improved with creams or other treatments or when someone cannot tolerate other treatment options.
The drug is usually given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, using a pen or prefilled syringe. At first, it’s taken more often and then usually once a month. Injections can go in the thigh, belly, or upper arm (if someone else gives it). Children need an adult caregiver to give the shot. Some people say the injection stings briefly, but most find the process manageable over time.
These insights are based on 617 comments about Cosentyx from MyPsoriasisTeam members.Members emphasize that while Cosentyx can provide significant relief from psoriasis symptoms, patience is essential and results vary between individuals. The medication may cause side effects like injection site reactions, cold symptoms, diarrhea, and increased infection risk, but many find these manageable with proper care.
Connect with others who understand life with psoriasis. Join MyPsoriasisTeam for free.
Most people tolerate Cosentyx well. In clinical trials, side effects were usually mild or moderate and affected a small number of people — often fewer than 1 in 10. The most commonly reported included:
About 1 in 3 people had some kind of infection while on Cosentyx, compared to about 1 in 5 on placebo. These were mostly mild but could last a bit longer than usual.
Serious side effects are rare but possible. Call your doctor or get emergency help if you notice:
Always tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
Cosentyx Connect is a support program for people prescribed Cosentyx. Eligible individuals with private insurance may pay as little as $0 through copay assistance. You can apply online or by phone by calling 844-267-3689.
Cosentyx can be expensive, and prior approval is often required. Check with your insurance provider, pharmacy, and doctor for other ways to save on this drug.
Before starting Cosentyx, your doctor will check for tuberculosis, review your medical history (especially for infections or inflammatory bowel disease), and make sure your vaccines are up to date. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Also, tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy because latex contains a protein that may trigger an allergic reaction. Cosentyx needle caps on pens and prefilled syringes contain latex.
Cosentyx is not safe if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to it or its ingredients. It may also worsen conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, so talk to your doctor if you have either one. Let them know about all medications, supplements, or vaccines you’re taking. Alcohol isn’t restricted on Cosentyx, but it can worsen psoriasis for some people.
This medication is approved for several conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Dosing and results can vary by condition. While Cosentyx often improves both skin and joint symptoms, joint pain may need an additional treatment.
If you miss a dose, don’t double up — ask your doctor what to do. In case of overdose, call the Poison Control help line at 800-222-1222. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
Is Cosentyx effective for treating psoriasis?
In clinical trials, most people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis saw improvement in 12 weeks — between 75 percent and 87 percent of participants saw their symptoms improve by 75 percent (PASI 75). Between 54 percent to 59 percent of participants reached near-complete clearance (PASI 90). PASI stands for the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, a tool that measures how much of the body is affected by psoriasis plaques. For those with scalp psoriasis, about 57 percent had clear or almost clear scalp, compared to just 6 percent with placebo.
How quickly does Cosentyx work for psoriasis symptoms?
While some people see improvement earlier, the maximum results are typically seen after about 12 weeks.
Will Cosentyx treatment cause weight changes?
Weight gain is not listed as a common side effect of Cosentyx in clinical trials or prescribing information, though individual experiences may vary.
How does Cosentyx compare to other psoriasis treatments?
There is no single best treatment for psoriasis as effectiveness varies by individual, but biologics like Cosentyx have significantly improved outcomes for many people with moderate to severe psoriasis compared to older treatments.
MyPsoriasisTeam is a site where people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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