Drug Notes

Secukinumab (By injection)

Secukinumab (sek-ue-KIN-ue-mab)

Treats plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Brand Name(s):

Cosentyx

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is usually given in the upper arms, abdomen, or thighs.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake the medicine.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in the original carton until you are ready to use it. Use the medicine within 1 hour after you take it out of the refrigerator.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how secukinumab works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine or warfarin.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live vaccines while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis) or an allergy to latex.
• This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you start treatment. Also tell your doctor if you or a family member has a history of tuberculosis (TB). Take precautions to avoid illness. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine may cause new or worsening inflammatory bowel disease.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Burning feeling when you urinate, change in how much or how often you urinate
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Runny or stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017