Generic name: Secukinumab
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Cosentyx 2-Pack?
Secukinumab is an immunosuppressant that is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children at least 6 years old.
Secukinumab is also used in adults to treat psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or axial spondyloarthritis.
Secukinumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use secukinumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you've had or been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you recently traveled. Some infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an active or chronic infection;
- inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis);
- an 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 start using secukinumab.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Cosentyx 2-Pack
Use Cosentyx 2-Pack (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Secukinumab is injected under the skin.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. You may need to use 2 injections to get your total dose.
Secukinumab should be clear or light-yellow. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject secukinumab. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Avoid injecting into skin that is hard, red, bruised, swollen, tender, or affected by psoriasis.Do not inject within 2 inches of your navel (belly button).
You may get infections more easily, even serious infections. You will need frequent medical tests.
Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store this medicine in the original container in a refrigerator. Protect from light and do not shake or freeze.
Take the injection pen out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before using. Give the injection within 1 hour after removing the medicine from a refrigerator.
You may store an injection pen or a prefilled syringe at room temperature (no higher than 86 degrees F) for up to 4 days. Return the pen or syringe to the refrigerator if not used within 4 days. Throw an injection pen or syringe away if left at room temperature for longer than 4 days.
Throw away a prefilled syringe or injection pen after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of secukinumab.
Cosentyx 2-Pack side effects
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 right away if you have signs of infection such as:
- redness, warmth, or painful sores on your skin;
- cough, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus;
- increased urination, burning when you urinate;
- sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or "thrush");
- new or worsening diarrhea or stomach pain; or
- fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, weight loss.
Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cosentyx 2-Pack?
Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).