If you’re looking at treatment options for certain inflammatory conditions, you may want to learn more about Cosentyx (secukinumab). It’s a prescription drug that’s used to treat the following conditions in adults and some children:

Cosentyx is also used to treat the following conditions in adults:

The active ingredient in Cosentyx is secukinumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Secukinumab is a biologic drug. This means it’s made from living cells.

Cosentyx is given as an injection under the skin. The drug comes in the following forms:

  • a single-dose prefilled syringe
  • a single-dose Sensoready pen
  • a powder in a vial that’s mixed with water and injected by a healthcare professional

You’ll likely receive your first Cosentyx dose at your doctor’s office. Then, if you use the pen or syringe form of the drug, you’ll be shown how to inject the medication at home. (But if you use the vial form, you’ll continue receiving doses at your doctor’s office.)

Keep reading for details on Cosentyx and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Cosentyx, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Cosentyx can vary. The cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Cosentyx.

If you have questions about paying for your prescription, including what your cost per month or annual cost may be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Cosentyx. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Cosentyx in regard to your treatment. Then, the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Cosentyx requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Cosentyx requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cosentyx and cost.

How much will I pay for Cosentyx if I have Medicare?

The cost of Cosentyx with Medicare can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • the type of Medicare plan you have
  • your treatment plan
  • the dose of Cosentyx you’re prescribed
  • which pharmacy you use

Note that some insurance plans, including Medicare part D, may not cover Cosentyx. But insurance coverage can change from year to year. Before you start using Cosentyx, contact your insurance company to check if it covers Cosentyx.

Does the price of Cosentyx depend on the strength (75 mg or 150 mg)?

It’s possible. The price of Cosentyx can vary based on several factors, including whether you use insurance to pay for the medication.

If you have a set copay with your insurance plan, the price of Cosentyx should not vary based on the drug strength.

But if you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Cosentyx, the price you pay could vary based on the strength you’re prescribed.

What’s the cost of Cosentyx without insurance vs. with insurance?

The cost of Cosentyx without insurance can vary based on several factors. These include:

  • which pharmacy you use
  • where you live
  • your treatment plan

If your insurance covers Cosentyx, your price with insurance can also vary depending on certain factors, such as:

  • the quantity of Cosentyx you’re prescribed (such as a 30-day or 90-day supply)
  • which pharmacy you use
  • your treatment plan

To learn more about the price of Cosentyx with or without insurance, talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider.

For more information about financial help available to pay for Cosentyx, visit the Cosentyx Connect website or call 844-267-3689.

You can also see the “Can I get help paying for Cosentyx?” section below.

Cosentyx is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It’s not currently available in a biosimilar form. Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.

Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drugmakers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.

If you take Cosentyx long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Cosentyx if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Cosentyx. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Cosentyx. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of Cosentyx or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also be eligible for a copay card through a program called Cosentyx Connect.

If you still have questions about the cost of Cosentyx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk to your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Cosentyx.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • What will my cost per dose be for Cosentyx?
  • Are there other lower-cost alternatives to treat my condition?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?
  • Will Cosentyx Sensoready pens cost more than the prefilled syringes?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.