Pronunciation: SEK ue KIN ue mab

Brand: Cosentyx

What is the most important information I should know about secukinumab?


What is secukinumab?

Secukinumab is an immunosuppressant that is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, or active ankylosing spondylitis.

Secukinumab is also used in adults to treat axial spondyloarthritis.

Secukinumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using secukinumab?

You should not use secukinumab if you are allergic to it.

Secukinumab is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.

Before you start treatment with secukinumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • an active or chronic infection;
  • inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis);
  • allergy to latex; or
  • if you currently have signs of infection such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, cough with bloody mucus, weight loss, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, or painful urination.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you begin treatment with secukinumab.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use secukinumab?



Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. You may need to use 2 injections to get your total dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Your care provider will show you where on your body to inject secukinumab. Do not inject into skin with active psoriasis, or skin that is red, bruised, or tender. Do not inject within 2 inches of your navel (belly button).

Secukinumab should be clear or light-yellow. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store this medicine in the original container in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not shake or freeze. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting your dose. Give the injection within 1 hour after removing the medicine from a refrigerator.


Each prefilled syringe or injection pen is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of secukinumab.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while using secukinumab?

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using secukinumab. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

What are the possible side effects of secukinumab?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest tightness, difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • redness, warmth, or painful sores on your skin;
  • cough, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus;
  • increased urination, burning when you urinate;
  • diarrhea, stomach pain; or
  • fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, weight loss.

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea; or


What other drugs will affect secukinumab?


Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about secukinumab.

