Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription biologic medication that targets specific immune system components. It reduces inflammation and symptoms in certain autoimmune conditions.
Understanding Cosentyx’s Mechanism
Cosentyx primarily works by targeting and neutralizing interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein central to inflammatory processes. In autoimmune diseases, an overactive immune system produces excessive IL-17A, contributing to chronic inflammation, pain, and tissue damage.
IL-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine released by immune cells, particularly T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. It promotes inflammation by triggering other inflammatory chemicals and attracting immune cells to sites of inflammation.
By binding to IL-17A, Cosentyx prevents this cytokine from interacting with its receptors on target cells. This blocks the IL-17A signaling pathway, which activates processes leading to inflammation. This blockade reduces immune cell recruitment and activation, decreasing inflammation and mitigating tissue damage. Cosentyx modulates the immune system, curbing the inappropriate inflammatory response in autoimmune diseases. This helps alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression.
Conditions Cosentyx Treats
Cosentyx treats several autoimmune conditions characterized by excessive inflammation. These include moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in individuals aged 6 years and older, which causes itchy, scaly skin patches from an overactive immune response.
It also treats active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years and older, an inflammatory joint disease often affecting people with psoriasis. Additionally, Cosentyx is approved for adults with active ankylosing spondylitis, an arthritis causing spinal inflammation and stiffness.
Adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, involving spinal inflammation not always visible on X-rays, can also be treated. Furthermore, it is used for active enthesitis-related arthritis in pediatric patients aged 4 years and older and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults.
How Cosentyx is Administered
Cosentyx is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection. It can be given using a Sensoready pen, UnoReady pen, or a prefilled syringe. While a healthcare professional can administer the injection, adult patients may also learn to self-administer after receiving proper training. Pediatric patients, however, should have an adult caregiver prepare and inject the medication.
The injection sites commonly include the front of the thighs or the lower abdomen, at least two inches away from the belly button. If a caregiver is administering the injection, the outer upper arm can also be used.
Dosing schedules often involve an initial “loading dose” phase, typically consisting of weekly injections for the first few weeks, followed by a maintenance phase with injections every four weeks. Specific dosages and frequencies can vary based on the treated condition and the individual patient.
Important Considerations and Side Effects
Individuals considering Cosentyx should discuss their medical history with their healthcare provider. The medication can suppress the immune system, which increases the risk of infections. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold) and diarrhea. Other mild side effects reported include headaches and skin rashes.
More serious concerns include a heightened risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-ups, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Patients are screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment, and live vaccines should be avoided during therapy.
Allergic reactions, though rare, can also occur. Individuals with a latex allergy should inform their doctor, as some injection device components may contain latex. Any signs of infection or new symptoms of IBD should be reported to a doctor immediately.