Cosentyx Dosing Details

If you have an autoimmune condition such as psoriatic arthritis, your doctor might suggest Cosentyx (secukinumab) as a treatment option.

Cosentyx is a brand-name medication that’s used in adults and some children. It’s prescribed to treat the following conditions:

• ankylosing spondylitis
• plaque psoriasis
• psoriatic arthritis
• axial spondyloarthritis that can’t be seen on X-rays
• arthritis affecting inflamed entheses (areas of bone where ligaments and tendons are attached)

This article describes the dosages of Cosentyx, including its forms, strength, and how to take the drug. To learn more about other aspects of Cosentyx, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers the typical dosages for Cosentyx, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Cosentyx, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Cosentyx is a medication that’s injected under your skin. It comes in one strength, which is available in three forms. Two of these are forms that you can self-inject. The other form needs to be given by a healthcare professional.

When you first start Cosentyx, your doctor may give you your first dose at their office. They may also show you how to give yourself an injection. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips on how to inject the drug so that you feel confident in the process.

What are the forms of Cosentyx?

Cosentyx comes in three different forms:

• Sensoready pen
• prefilled syringe
• single-use vial (for use by healthcare professionals only)

The caps for the Sensoready pen and the prefilled syringe contain natural rubber. If you have a latex allergy, be sure to tell your doctor. A healthcare professional may need to give you Cosentyx. Depending on how severe your allergy is, your doctor may recommend another treatment.

Your doctor can help determine which form may be right for you.

What strengths does Cosentyx come in?

Cosentyx comes in two strengths:

• 150 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL)
• 75 mg/0.5 mL

What are the typical dosages of Cosentyx?

Your dosage of Cosentyx will depend on the condition being treated, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and other factors. (For more information, see the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section below.)

In some cases, your doctor may have you start on a higher dose of Cosentyx. This is called a loading dose or a starting dose.

A loading dose is used to make sure there’s enough medication in your body to start working right away to provide symptom relief. Later doses will likely be lower than the loading dose. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

The sections below describe dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Is Cosentyx used long term?

Yes, Cosentyx is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cosentyx is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

In some cases, dosage adjustments may be needed. Your doctor may adjust your dosage after you start Cosentyx treatment depending on:

• the severity of your condition
• if you have two conditions at once (plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis)
• the effectiveness of a given dose to manage symptoms

It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve with Cosentyx after your dosage has been adjusted. If you have questions, ask your doctor about your dosage and what to expect.

For plaque psoriasis, Cosentyx may be used in adults and children ages 6 years and older. Dosages for adults and children are described below.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis in adults

Most adults using Cosentyx for plaque psoriasis will follow a loading dose schedule. The starting dosage is 300 mg (two 150-mg injections) once per week for 5 weeks. After this, the dosage is lowered to 300 mg (two 150-mg injections) every 4 weeks.

Your doctor may decide you don’t need the higher dose to start. In this case, you’ll take 150 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After this, the dosage is lowered to 150 mg every 4 weeks.

If you have questions about your dosage, be sure to ask your doctor before making changes. Don’t change your dosage on your own. This could cause problems such as increased side effects.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis in children

The recommended dose for plaque psoriasis in children is based on body weight as follows:

• For children weighing less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), their dose is 75 mg.
• For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, their dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

For psoriatic arthritis, Cosentyx may be used in adults and children ages 2 years and older. Dosages for adults and children are described below.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis in adults

Cosentyx has two different dosages for psoriatic arthritis in adults.

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, your dosage is the same as for plaque psoriasis. (For details, see the “Dosage for plaque psoriasis” section just above.)

If you have psoriatic arthritis without moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, your doctor may start you on a loading dose. Your dose will also likely be lower than the dose for plaque psoriasis to start.

• If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg weekly for 5 weeks, and then you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.
• If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.

If you continue to have psoriatic arthritis symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg (two 150-mg injections) every 4 weeks.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis in children

The recommended dose for psoriatic arthritis in children is based on body weight as follows:

• For children weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), their dose is 75 mg.
• For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, their dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

The Cosentyx dosage for ankylosing spondylitis in adults depends on whether your doctor starts you on a loading dose. They may recommend a loading dose schedule based on how severe your condition is.

• If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg weekly for 5 weeks, and then you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.
• If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.

If you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg (two 150-mg injections) every 4 weeks.

The Cosentyx dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults depends on how severe your condition is. If you have more severe symptoms, your doctor may start you on a loading dose.

• If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg weekly for 5 weeks, and then you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.
• If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll take 150 mg every 4 weeks.

For arthritis affecting inflamed enthesis, Cosentyx may be used in adults and children ages 4 years and older. (Entheses are areas on bone where ligaments and tendons attach.) Dosages for adults and children are described below.

Dosage for arthritis affecting inflamed enthesis in adults

The Cosentyx recommended dosage for this condition in adults is as follows:

• A loading dose is given weekly for 5 weeks.
• After this, a dose is taken once every 4 weeks.

For people who weigh:

• 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), their dose is 75 mg
• 50 kilograms or more, their dose is 150 mg

Dosage for arthritis related to enthesitis in children

The recommended dose for this condition in children is based on body weight as follows:

• For children weighing 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) to less than 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds), their dose is 75 mg.
• For children weighing 50 kilograms or more, their dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

The dosage of Cosentyx you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cosentyx to treat
• your age
• other conditions you may have
• your overall health
• other medications you may be taking
• how you do with your starting dose

Your doctor will prescribe your dosage based on your individual needs. They can explain how all of these factors affect your dosage.

Cosentyx is a medication that’s injected under your skin. You can find helpful videos about how to inject Cosentyx on the manufacturer’s website. You can also talk with a Cosentyx support specialist and get live virtual injection training. Call Cosentyx Connect at 844-COSENTYX (844-267-3689) for this service.

You can also ask your pharmacist for more information on how to inject Cosentyx.

If you miss your regular dose of Cosentyx, take it as soon as you remember. But don’t double your normal Cosentyx dose. This could increase your risk for serious side effects.

If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist to find out when you should take your next dose.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Cosentyx, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

You shouldn’t use more Cosentyx than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Cosentyx

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Cosentyx. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Cosentyx for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Cosentyx without your doctor’s approval. Only take Cosentyx exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

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

• Does my dosage of Cosentyx need to change if I’m taking other drugs along with it?
• When would you change my dosage if I don’t respond to my current Cosentyx dosage?
• Will my Cosentyx dosage be different if I’m breastfeeding?

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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.