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BIOLOGIC/DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG (DMARD)
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
These insights are based on 534 comments about Cosentyx from myHSteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Cosentyx is a biologic medication that works by blocking a protein called interleukin (IL) 17A. This protein is part of the immune system and can cause inflammation. By blocking IL-17A, Cosentyx helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Doctors prescribe Cosentyx when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. It is given as a shot under the skin at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, then every four weeks. If needed, the dose may be increased to every two weeks. People may be able to give themselves injections at home after they are trained by a healthcare professional.
These insights are based on 534 comments about Cosentyx from myHSteam members.Members who use Cosentyx say results can vary, and it may take time to know whether it is helping. They also frequently mention the importance of staying in touch with a dermatologist about side effects, missed doses, infections, and insurance or cost issues that can interrupt treatment.
Stay on schedule, and ask your doctor about flares between doses.
“I am currently experiencing my first flare in over six months. I actually missed my Cosentyx dose last month, so that is why I would imagine I’m having a flare.”
Ask for help early if cost or insurance is a problem.
“I went through the manufacturer for Cosentyx payment help, and they covered it 100 percent. Please reach out to them if you can.”
Talk to your doctor if you have bowel or stomach issues.
“Cosentyx did work for me, but it made my colitis flare.”
Connect with others who understand life with HS. Join myHSteam for free.
In clinical studies of Cosentyx for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and children ages 12 years and older, common side effects occurred in less than 1 percent of people. The side effects are:
Cosentyx can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Novartis, the manufacturer of Cosentyx, offers the Novartis Patient Support program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0. If you have government insurance or no insurance, the website offers information on other ways to save on your prescription.
Novartis Patient Support also offers information on financial support options and help navigating insurance changes. To learn more, visit the Cosentyx site or call 844-267-3689.
Before starting Cosentyx, your doctor will check you for tuberculosis (TB).
Before starting Cosentyx, you should be up to date on vaccines that are appropriate for your age. You should not get live vaccines while taking Cosentyx.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to secukinumab or any ingredients in Cosentyx.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Also let your doctor know if you have had recent or ongoing infections, tuberculosis (including close contact with someone who has TB), hepatitis B, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cosentyx is also FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and enthesitis-related arthritis.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Cosentyx, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
How effective is Cosentyx?
In clinical trials of 1,084 adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, between 38 percent and 45 percent of people taking Cosentyx had improved HS after 16 weeks, compared with 26 percent to 29 percent of people taking a placebo (an inactive treatment). The study measured improvement as at least a 50 percent reduction in abscesses and inflammatory nodules, with no increase in abscesses or draining tunnels.
How long does Cosentyx take to work for hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical trials, Cosentyx started to show an effect as early as week 2, and the benefit continued to increase through week 16. For hidradenitis suppurativa, treatment begins with weekly doses at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. This is followed by regular doses every two weeks or every four weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Should I take Cosentyx for hidradenitis suppurativa if I have an infection or bowel disease?
Cosentyx may increase the risk of infections, including serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Before starting treatment, people should be tested for tuberculosis. Cosentyx should not be taken by people with active tuberculosis.
If a serious infection develops, treatment should be stopped until the infection goes away. Cosentyx should also be used with caution by people with inflammatory bowel disease because new cases and flare-ups, including serious ones, have happened.
On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Cosentyx and hidradenitis suppurativa care:
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