Interleukin-17A AntagonistPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes

Cosentyx

SECUKINUMAB

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE COSENTYX is a human interleukin-17A antagonist indicated for the treatment of: moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. ( 1.1 ) active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. ( 1.2 ) active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1.3 ) active non-radiographic axial spondy...

Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians · May 2026

Brand names:COSENTYX

Rx Only

CosentyxMedication

Quick Reference

Medicine ClassInterleukin-17A Antagonist

FDA ApprovedYes

PregnancyCategory Not classified

Check Interactions Dosage Details

Quick Facts

Active ingredient: SECUKINUMAB
Medicine class: Interleukin-17A Antagonist
Brand names: COSENTYX
Availability: Prescription only (Rx)
Pregnancy category: Not classified
Half-life: half-life ranged from 22 to 31 days in PsO subjects following intravenous and subcutaneous administr
FDA approved: Yes

Cosentyx (SECUKINUMAB) medication overview

What Is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx (SECUKINUMAB) belongs to the Interleukin-17A Antagonist class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Key Safety Information

•Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
•Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
•Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
•Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Cosentyx. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
•Take Cosentyx with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
•Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.

This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Uses & Indications

Cosentyx is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

( 1.1 ) active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

( 1.2 ) active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

( 1.3 ) active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults with objective signs of inflammation.

( 1.4 ) active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) in pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.

( 1.5 ) moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

( 1.6 ) 1.1 Plaque Psoriasis COSENTYX ® is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

1.2 Psoriatic Arthritis COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Dosage Guide

The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.

Adult Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Prior to COSENTYX initiation, complete all age-appropriate vaccinations, evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB). ( 2.1 ) See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on preparation and administration of COSENTYX. ( 2.2 , 2.11 , 2.12 ) Administration of Intravenous Formulation: COSENTYX for intravenous use must be diluted prior to administration. Administer as an intravenous infusion after dilution over a period of 30 minutes. ( 2.12 ) Plaque Psoriasis: Subcutaneous Dosage in Adults: Recommended dosage is 300 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter. For some patients, a dose of 150 mg may be acceptable. ( 2.3 ) Subcutaneous Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 Years and Older: Recommended weight-based dosage is administered by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter. For patients < 50 kg, the dose is 75 mg. For patients ≥ 50 kg, the dose is 150 mg. ( 2.3 ) Psoriatic Arthritis:

Available Forms

Available Strengths

View Complete Dosage Guide

Side Effects

Common

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in the labeling: Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Inflammatory Bowel Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Eczematous Eruptions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Most common adverse reactions (> 1%) are nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infection.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials of Subcutaneous COSENTYX Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials in Adults with PsO A total of 3,430 adult subjects with PsO were treated with COSENTYX in controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials.
Of these, 1,641 subjects were treated with COSENTYX for at least 1 year.
Four placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials in PsO subjects (Trials PsO1, PsO2, PsO3, and PsO4) were pooled to evaluate the safety of COSENTYX in comparison to placebo up to 12 weeks after treatment initiation.
In total, 2,077 subjects were evaluated (691 in the COSENTYX 300 mg group, 692 in the COSENTYX 150 mg group, and 694 in the placebo group).

Serious

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infections : Serious infections have occurred.
Exercise caution when considering the use of COSENTYX in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection.
If a serious infection develops, discontinue COSENTYX until the infection resolves.
( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions : If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, discontinue COSENTYX immediately and initiate appropriate therapy.
( 5.2 ) Tuberculosis (TB) : Prior to initiating treatment with COSENTYX, evaluate for TB.

Rare

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Medicine Interactions

Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

MajorModerateMinor

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Warnings & Contraindications

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infections : Serious infections have occurred. Exercise caution when considering the use of COSENTYX in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection. If a serious infection develops, discontinue COSENTYX until the infection resolves. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions : If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, discon

How Cosentyx Works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Secukinumab is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) cytokine and inhibits its interaction with the IL-17 receptor. IL-17A is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Secukinumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Absorption Following a single subcutaneous dose of either 150 mg or 300 mg (administered as two injections of 150 mg) of COSENTYX in PsO subjects, secukinumab reached peak mean (± SD) serum concentrations (C max ) of 13

Half-Life

half-life ranged from 22 to 31 days in PsO subjects following intravenous and subcutaneous administr

Metabolism

Metabolism The metabolic pathway of secukinumab has not been characterized

Excretion

Excretion The mean systemic clearance (CL) ranged from 0

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety

Not classified

FDA Pregnancy Category Not classified

Consult your healthcare provider.

Full Pregnancy Information

Breastfeeding

Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Cosentyxwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.

Storage & Handling

Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

• FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Cosentyx
• U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
• American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
• PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies

Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.