Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Secukinumab may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Cosentyx contains the active substance secukinumab. Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody which belongs to a group of medicines called interleukin (IL) inhibitors. This medicine works by neutralising the activity of a protein called IL-17A, which is present at increased levels in diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Cosentyx is used for the treatment of the following inflammatory diseases:
What you need to know before you (or your child) use Cosentyx
Do not use Cosentyx: • if you (or your child) are allergic to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). If you think you (or your child) may be allergic, ask your doctor for advice before using 1
•
Cosentyx. if you (or your child) have an active infection which your doctor thinks is important (for example, active tuberculosis).
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before using Cosentyx: • if you (or your child) currently have an infection. • if you (or your child) have long-term or repeated infections. • if you (or your child) have ever had an allergic reaction to latex. • if you (or your child) have an inflammatory disease affecting the gut called Crohn's disease. • if you (or your child) have an inflammation of the large intestine called ulcerative colitis. • if you (or your child) have recently had a vaccination or are due to have a vaccination during treatment with Cosentyx. • if you (or your child) are receiving any other treatment for psoriasis, such as another immunosuppressant or phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light. Tuberculosis Talk to your doctor if you (or your child) have or previously had tuberculosis. Also tell your doctor if you (or your child) have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis. Your doctor will evaluate you (or your child) and may do a test for tuberculosis before you (or your child) use Cosentyx. If your doctor thinks you (or your child) are at risk of tuberculosis, you (or your child) may be given medicines to treat it. If symptoms of tuberculosis (such as persistent cough, weight loss, listlessness or mild fever) appear during treatment with Cosentyx, tell your doctor immediately. Hepatitis B Talk to your doctor if you (or your child) have or previously had a hepatitis B infection. This medicine may cause a reactivation of the infection. Before and during secukinumab treatment, your doctor may check you (or your child) for signs of infection. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: worsening tiredness, yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea and/or pain in the upper right side of the stomach area. Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) Stop using Cosentyx and tell your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you (or your child) notice abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, blood in the stool or any other signs of bowel problems. Look out for infections and allergic reactions Cosentyx can potentially cause serious side effects, including infections and allergic reactions. You must look out for signs of these conditions while you (or your child) are taking Cosentyx. Stop using Cosentyx and tell your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you (or your child) notice any signs indicating a possible serious infection or an allergic reaction. Such signs are listed under "Serious side effects" in section 4. Children and adolescents Cosentyx is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age with plaque psoriasis because it has not been studied in this age group. Cosentyx is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis). Cosentyx is not recommended for children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) in other indications because it has not been studied in this age group.
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Other medicines and Cosentyx Tell your doctor or pharmacist: • if you (or your child) are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. • if you (or your child) have recently had or are due to have a vaccination. You (or your child) should not be given certain types of vaccines (live vaccines) while using Cosentyx. •
•
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility It is preferable to avoid the use of Cosentyx in pregnancy. The effects of this medicine in pregnant women are not known. If you (or your child) are of childbearing potential, you (or your child) are advised to avoid becoming pregnant and must use adequate contraception while using Cosentyx and for at least 20 weeks after the last Cosentyx dose. Talk to your doctor if you (or your child) are pregnant, may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Talk to your doctor if you (or your child) are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed. You and your doctor should decide if you (or your child) will breast-feed or use Cosentyx. You (or your child) should not do both. After using Cosentyx you (or your child) should not breast-feed for at least 20 weeks after the last dose.
Driving and using machines Cosentyx is unlikely to influence your ability to drive and use machines. 3.
How to use Cosentyx
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure. Cosentyx is given via injection under the skin (known as a subcutaneous injection). You and the doctor should decide if, after proper training, you should inject Cosentyx yourself or a caregiver should give the injection. It is important not to try to inject Cosentyx before being trained by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. For detailed instructions on how to inject Cosentyx, see "Instructions for use of Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe" at the end of this leaflet. How much Cosentyx is given and for how long Your doctor will decide how much Cosentyx you (or your child) need and for how long. Paediatric plaque psoriasis (children aged 6 years and older) • The recommended dose is based on body weight as follows: o Weight below 25 kg: 75 mg by subcutaneous injection. o Weight 25 kg or above and below 50 kg: 75 mg by subcutaneous injection. o Weight 50 kg or above: 150 mg by subcutaneous injection. Your doctor may increase the dose to 300 mg. • Each 75 mg dose is given as one injection of 75 mg. Other dosage forms/strengths may be available for administration of the 150 mg and 300 mg doses. After the first dose you (or your child) will receive further weekly injections at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 followed by monthly injections. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (enthesitis-related arthritis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis) • The recommended dose is based on body weight as follows: o Weight below 50 kg: 75 mg by subcutaneous injection. o Weight 50 kg or above: 150 mg by subcutaneous injection. • Each 75 mg dose is given as one injection of 75 mg. Other dosage forms/strengths may be available for administration of the 150 mg dose. 3
After the first dose you (or your child) will receive further weekly injections at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 followed by monthly injections. Cosentyx is for long-term treatment. Your doctor will regularly monitor your (or your child's) condition to check that the treatment is having the desired effect. If you use more Cosentyx than you should If you (or your child) have received more Cosentyx than you (they) should or the dose has been administered sooner than according to your doctor's prescription, inform your doctor. If you forget to use Cosentyx If you have forgotten to inject a dose of Cosentyx, inject the next dose as soon as you (or your child) remember. Then talk to your doctor to discuss when you should inject the next dose. If you (or your child) stop using Cosentyx It is not dangerous to stop using Cosentyx. However, if you stop, your (or your child's) psoriasis symptoms may come back. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects Stop using Cosentyx and tell your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you (or you child) get any of the following side effects: Possible serious infection – the signs may include: • fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats • feeling tired or short of breath, cough which will not go away • warm, red and painful skin, or a painful skin rash with blisters • burning sensation when passing urine. Serious allergic reaction – the signs may include: • difficulty breathing or swallowing • low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or light-headedness • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat • severe itching of the skin, with a red rash or raised bumps. Your doctor will decide if and when you (or your child) may restart the treatment. Other side effects Most of the following side effects are mild to moderate. If any of these side effects becomes severe, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): • upper respiratory tract infections with symptoms such as sore throat and stuffy nose (nasopharyngitis, rhinitis) Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): • cold sores (oral herpes) • diarrhoea • runny nose (rhinorrhoea) • headache 4
• • •
nausea fatigue itchy, red and dry skin (eczema)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): • oral thrush (oral candidiasis) • signs of low levels of white blood cells, such as fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers due to infections (neutropenia) • infection of the external ear (otitis externa) • discharge from the eye with itching, redness and swelling (conjunctivitis) • itchy rash (urticaria) • lower respiratory tract infections • abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhoea, weight loss or blood in the stool (signs of bowel problems) • small, itchy blisters on the palms of hands, soles of feet and edges of the fingers and toes (dyshidrotic eczema) • athlete's foot (tinea pedis) Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1 000 people): • severe allergic reaction with shock (anaphylactic reaction) • redness and shedding of skin over a larger area of the body, which may be itchy or painful (exfoliative dermatitis) • inflammation of small blood vessels, which can lead to a skin rash with small red or purple bumps (vasculitis) • swelling of the neck, face, mouth or throat which may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing (angioedema) Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): • fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including oesophageal candidiasis) • painful swelling and skin ulceration (pyoderma gangrenosum) Reporting of side effects If you (or your child) get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any
the Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe Carefully remove the needle cap from the syringe by holding the syringe guard body. Discard the needle cap. You may see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle. This is normal.
Gently pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle as shown. Push the needle all the way in at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to ensure that the medicine can be fully administered.
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Hold the syringe as shown. Slowly depress the plunger as far as it will go so that the plunger head is completely between the syringe guard wings. Keep the plunger pressed fully down while you hold the syringe in place for 5 seconds.
Keep the plunger fully depressed while you carefully lift the needle straight out from the injection site.
Slowly release the plunger and allow the syringe guard to automatically cover the exposed needle. There may be a small amount of blood at the injection site. You can press a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site and hold it for 10 seconds. Do not rub the injection site. You may cover the injection site with a small adhesive bandage, if needed. Disposal instructions Dispose of the used syringe in a sharps container (closable, puncture resistant container). For the safety and health of you and others, needles and used syringes must never be re-used.
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not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Cosentyx
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine: • after the expiry date which is stated on the outer box or the label on the syringe after "EXP". • if the liquid contains easily visible particles, is cloudy or is distinctly brown. Store the syringe sealed in its box to protect from light. Store in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Do not shake. If necessary, Cosentyx can be left out of the refrigerator for a single period of up to 4 days at room temperature, not above 30°C. This medicine is for single use only. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 5
6.
What Cosentyx contains The active substance is secukinumab. Each pre-filled syringe contains 75 mg secukinumab. The other ingredients are trehalose dihydrate, histidine, histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, methionine, polysorbate 80 and water for injections. What Cosentyx looks like and contents of the pack Cosentyx solution for injection is a clear liquid. Its colour may vary from colourless to slightly yellow. Cosentyx 75 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe is available in unit packs containing 1 pre-filled syringe and in multipacks containing 3 (3 packs of 1) pre-filled syringes. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building, White City Place, 195 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FQ, United Kingdom. For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder: United Kingdom Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Tel: +44 1276 698370 This leaflet was last revised in 05/2025
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Instructions for use of Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe Read ALL the way through these instructions before injecting. It is important not to try to inject yourself or a person in your care until you have been trained by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. The box contains one Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe individually sealed in a plastic blister. Your Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe Syringe Guard Needle cap
Finger grips
Viewing window Label & expiry date
Plunger Syringe guard wings
Plunger head
After the medicine has been injected the syringe guard will be activated to cover the needle. This is intended to aid in the protection of healthcare professionals, patients who self-inject doctor-prescribed medicines, and individuals who assist self-injecting patients from accidental needlestick injuries. What you additionally need for your injection:
after "EXP". If it has expired, return the entire pack to the pharmacy. The injection site The injection site is the place on the body where you are going to use the syringe.
Preparing the Cosentyx 75 mg pre-filled syringe ready for use 1. Take the box containing the syringe out of the refrigerator and leave it unopened for about 15-30 minutes so that it reaches room temperature. 2. When you are ready to use the syringe, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 3. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. 4. Remove the syringe from the outer box and take it out of the blister by holding the syringe guard body. 5. Inspect the syringe. The liquid should be clear. Its colour may vary from colourless to slightly yellow. You may see a small air bubble, which is normal. DO NOT USE if the liquid contains easily visible particles, is cloudy or is distinctly brown. DO NOT USE if the syringe is broken. In all these cases, return the entire product pack to the pharmacy.
Cosentyx 75mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe comes as injection containing 75mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Cosentyx 75mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe is secukinumab.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cosentyx 75mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Paediatric plaque psoriasis
Cosentyx is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents from the age of 6 years who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA)
Cosentyx, alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of active enthesitis-related arthritis in patients 6 years and older whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, conventional therapy (see section 5.1).
Juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA)
Cosentyx, alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of active juvenile psoriatic arthritis in patients 6 years and older whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, conventional therapy (see section 5.1).
Cosentyx is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Cosentyx is indicated.
Posology
Paediatric plaque psoriasis (adolescents and children from the age of 6 years)
The recommended dose is based on body weight (Table 1) and administered by subcutaneous injection with initial dosing at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Each 75 mg dose is given as one subcutaneous injection of 75 mg. Each 150 mg dose is given as one subcutaneous injection of 150 mg. Each 300 mg dose is given as one subcutaneous injection of 300 mg or as two subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.
Table 1 Recommended dose for paediatric plaque psoriasis
Body weight at time of dosing
Recommended dose
<25 kg
75 mg
25 to <50 kg
75 mg
≥50 kg
150 mg (*may be increased to 300 mg)
*Some patients may derive additional benefit from the higher dose.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA)
The recommended dose is based on body weight (Table 2) and administered by subcutaneous injection at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Each 75 mg dose is given as one subcutaneous injection of 75 mg. Each 150 mg dose is given as one subcutaneous injection of 150 mg.
Table 2 Recommended dose for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Body weight at time of dosing
Recommended dose
<50 kg
75 mg
≥50 kg
150 mg
Cosentyx may be available in other strengths and/or presentations depending on the individual treatment needs.
For all of the above indications, available data suggest that a clinical response is usually achieved within 16 weeks of treatment. Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who have shown no response by 16 weeks of treatment. Some patients with an initial partial response may subsequently improve with continued treatment beyond 16 weeks.
The safety and efficacy of Cosentyx in children with plaque psoriasis and in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) categories of ERA and JPsA below the age of 6 years have not been established.
The safety and efficacy of Cosentyx in children below the age of 18 years in other indications have not yet been established. No data are available.
Special populations
Renal impairment / hepatic impairment
Cosentyx has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.
Method of administration
Cosentyx is to be administered by subcutaneous injection. If possible, areas of the skin that show psoriasis should be avoided as injection sites. The syringe must not be shaken.
After proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, patients may self‑inject Cosentyx or be injected by a caregiver if a physician determines that this is appropriate. However, the physician should ensure appropriate follow‑up of patients. Patients or caregivers should be instructed to inject the full amount of Cosentyx according to the instructions provided in the package leaflet. Comprehensive instructions for administration are given in the package leaflet.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Clinically important, active infection, e.g. active tuberculosis (see section 4.4).
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Infections
Secukinumab has the potential to increase the risk of infections. Serious infections have been observed in patients receiving secukinumab in the post-marketing setting. Caution should be exercised when considering the use of secukinumab in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection.
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms suggestive of an infection occur. If a patient develops a serious infection, the patient should be closely monitored and secukinumab should not be administered until the infection resolves.
In clinical studies, infections have been observed in patients receiving secukinumab (see section 4.8). Most of these were mild or moderate upper respiratory tract infections such as nasopharyngitis and did not require treatment discontinuation.
Related to the mechanism of action of secukinumab, non‑serious mucocutaneous candida infections were more frequently reported for secukinumab than placebo in the psoriasis clinical studies (3.55 per 100 patient years for secukinumab 300 mg versus 1.00 per 100 patient years for placebo) (see section 4.8).
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (active and/or latent reactivation) has been reported in patients treated with secukinumab. Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis infection prior to initiating treatment with secukinumab. Secukinumab should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (see section 4.3). In patients with latent tuberculosis, anti‑tuberculosis therapy should be considered prior to initiation of secukinumab as per clinical guidelines. Patients receiving secukinumab should be monitored for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis.
Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
Cases of new or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease have been reported with secukinumab (see section 4.8). Secukinumab is not recommended in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. If a patient develops signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease or experiences an exacerbation of pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease, secukinumab should be discontinued and appropriate medical management should be initiated.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Rare cases of anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been observed in patients receiving secukinumab. If an anaphylactic reaction, angioedema or other serious allergic reactions occur, administration of secukinumab should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.
Latex‑sensitive individuals
The removable needle cap of Cosentyx 75 mg solution for injection in pre‑filled syringe contains a derivative of natural rubber latex. No natural rubber latex has to date been detected in the removable needle cap. Nevertheless, the use of Cosentyx 75 mg solution for injection in pre‑filled syringe in latex‑sensitive individuals has not been studied and there is therefore a potential risk of hypersensitivity reactions which cannot be completely ruled out.
Vaccinations
Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with secukinumab.
Patients receiving secukinumab may receive concurrent inactivated or non‑live vaccinations. In a study, after meningococcal and inactivated influenza vaccinations, a similar proportion of healthy volunteers treated with 150 mg of secukinumab and those treated with placebo were able to mount an adequate immune response of at least a 4‑fold increase in antibody titres to meningococcal and influenza vaccines. The data suggest that secukinumab does not suppress the humoral immune response to the meningococcal or influenza vaccines.
Prior to initiating therapy with Cosentyx, it is recommended that paediatric patients receive all age‑appropriate immunisations as per current immunisation guidelines.
Concomitant immunosuppressive therapy
In psoriasis studies, the safety and efficacy of secukinumab in combination with immunosuppressants, including biologics, or phototherapy have not been evaluated. Secukinumab was administered concomitantly with methotrexate (MTX), sulfasalazine and/or corticosteroids in arthritis studies (including in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis). Caution should be exercised when considering concomitant use of other immunosuppressants and secukinumab (see also section 4.5).
Hepatitis B reactivation
Hepatitis B virus reactivation can occur in patients treated with secukinumab. In accordance with clinical guidelines for immunosuppresants, testing patients for HBV infection is to be considered before initiating treatment with secukinumab. Patients with evidence of positive HBV serology should be monitored for clinical and laboratory signs of HBV reactivation during secukinumab treatment. If reactivation of HBV occurs while on secukinumab, discontinuation of the treatment should be considered, and patients should be treated according to clinical guidelines.
Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with secukinumab (see also section 4.4).
In a study in adult subjects with plaque psoriasis, no interaction was observed between secukinumab and midazolam (CYP3A4 substrate).
No interaction was seen when secukinumab was administered concomitantly with methotrexate (MTX) and/or corticosteroids in arthritis studies (including in patients with psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis).
Women of childbearing potential
Women of childbearing potential should use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for at least 20 weeks after treatment.
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data from the use of secukinumab in pregnant women.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Cosentyx during pregnancy.
Breast‑feeding
It is not known whether secukinumab is excreted in human milk. Immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk and it is not known if secukinumab is absorbed systemically after ingestion. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from secukinumab, a decision on whether to discontinue breast‑feeding during treatment and up to 20 weeks after treatment or to discontinue therapy with Cosentyx must be made taking into account the benefit of breast‑feeding to the child and the benefit of therapy to the woman.
Fertility
The effect of secukinumab on human fertility has not been evaluated. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to fertility.
Cosentyx has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The most frequently reported adverse reactions are upper respiratory tract infections (17.1%) (most frequently nasopharyngitis, rhinitis).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions from clinical studies and post-marketing reports (Table 3) are listed by MedDRA system organ class. Within each system organ class, the adverse reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000); very rare (<1/10 000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Over 20 000 patients have been treated with secukinumab in blinded and open‑label clinical studies in various indications (plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa [HS] and other autoimmune conditions), representing 34 908 patient years of exposure. Of these, over 14 000 patients were exposed to secukinumab for at least one year. The safety profile of secukinumab is consistent across all indications.
Table 3 List of adverse reactions in clinical studies1) and post-marketing experience
System organ class
Frequency
Adverse reaction
Infections and infestations
Very common
Upper respiratory tract infections
Common
Oral herpes
Uncommon
Oral candidiasis
Otitis externa
Lower respiratory tract infections
Tinea pedis
Not known
Mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis (including oesophageal candidiasis)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Uncommon
Neutropenia
Immune system disorders
Rare
Anaphylactic reactions
Angioedema
Nervous system disorders
Common
Headache
Eye disorders
Uncommon
Conjunctivitis
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Common
Rhinorrhoea
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Uncommon
Inflammatory bowel disease
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common
Eczema
Uncommon
Urticaria
Dyshidrotic eczema
Rare
Exfoliative dermatitis2)
Hypersensitivity vasculitis
Not known
Pyoderma gangrenosum
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common
Fatigue
1) Placebo‑controlled clinical studies (phase III) in plaque psoriasis, PsA, AS, nr-axSpA and HS patients exposed to 300 mg, 150 mg, 75 mg or placebo up to 12 weeks (psoriasis) or 16 weeks (PsA, AS, nr-axSpA and HS) treatment duration
2) Cases were reported in patients with psoriasis diagnosis
Description of selected adverse reactions
Infections
In the placebo‑controlled period of clinical studies in plaque psoriasis (a total of 1 382 patients treated with secukinumab and 694 patients treated with placebo for up to 12 weeks), infections were reported in 28.7% of patients treated with secukinumab compared with 18.9% of patients treated with placebo. The majority of infections consisted of non‑serious and mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections, such as nasopharyngitis, which did not necessitate treatment discontinuation. There was an increase in mucosal or cutaneous candidiasis, consistent with the mechanism of action, but the cases were mild or moderate in severity, non‑serious, responsive to standard treatment and did not necessitate treatment discontinuation. Serious infections occurred in 0.14% of patients treated with secukinumab and in 0.3% of patients treated with placebo (see section 4.4).
Over the entire treatment period (a total of 3 430 patients treated with secukinumab for up to 52 weeks for the majority of patients), infections were reported in 47.5% of patients treated with secukinumab (0.9 per patient‑year of follow‑up). Serious infections were reported in 1.2% of patients treated with secukinumab (0.015 per patient‑year of follow‑up).
Infection rates observed in psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) clinical studies were similar to those observed in the psoriasis studies.
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa are more susceptible to infections. In the placebo‑controlled period of clinical studies in hidradenitis suppurativa (a total of 721 patients treated with secukinumab and 363 patients treated with placebo for up to 16 weeks), infections were numerically higher compared to those observed in the psoriasis studies (30.7% of patients treated with secukinumab compared with 31.7% in patients treated with placebo). Most of these were non‑serious, mild or moderate in severity and did not require treatment discontinuation or interruption.
Neutropenia
In psoriasis phase III clinical studies, neutropenia was more frequently observed with secukinumab than with placebo, but most cases were mild, transient and reversible. Neutropenia <1.0‑0.5x109/l (CTCAE grade 3) was reported in 18 out of 3 430 (0.5%) patients on secukinumab, with no dose dependence and no temporal relationship to infections in 15 out of 18 cases. There were no reported cases of more severe neutropenia. Non‑serious infections with usual response to standard care and not requiring discontinuation of secukinumab were reported in the remaining 3 cases.
The frequency of neutropenia in psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) and hidradenitis suppurativa was similar to psoriasis.
Rare cases of neutropenia <0.5x109/l (CTCAE grade 4) were reported.
Immunogenicity
In psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis) and hidradenitis suppurativa clinical studies, less than 1% of patients treated with secukinumab developed antibodies to secukinumab up to 52 weeks of treatment. About half of the treatment‑emergent anti‑drug antibodies were neutralising, but this was not associated with loss of efficacy or pharmacokinetic abnormalities.
Paediatric population
Undesirable effects in paediatric patients from the age of 6 years with plaque psoriasis
The safety of secukinumab was assessed in two phase III studies in paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis. The first study (paediatric study 1) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 162 patients from 6 to less than 18 years of age with severe plaque psoriasis. The second study (paediatric study 2) is an open-label study of 84 patients from 6 to less than 18 years of age with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The safety profile reported in these two studies was consistent with the safety profile reported in adult plaque psoriasis patients.
Undesirable effects in paediatric patients with JIA
The safety of secukinumab was also assessed in a phase III study in 86 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with ERA and JPsA from 2 to less than 18 years of age. The safety profile reported in this study was consistent with the safety profile reported in adult patients.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 2000 to 3000 mg) have been administered intravenously in clinical studies without dose‑limiting toxicity. In the event of overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment be instituted immediately.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Cosentyx 75mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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