Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of arthritis and other conditions. The drug comes as a liquid solution inside single-use pens, syringes, and vials. It may be given every 4 weeks.

Cosentyx is used to treat:

The active ingredient in Cosentyx is secukinumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Cosentyx belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. (These medications are immune system proteins that are made in a lab.)

This article describes the dosages of Cosentyx, as well as its strengths and how to use it. To learn more about Cosentyx, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Cosentyx. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the forms of Cosentyx?

Cosentyx comes as a liquid solution in these forms:

  • Sensoready pen
  • UnoReady pen
  • prefilled syringe
  • single-use vial

If your doctor prescribes the Sensoready pen, UnoReady pen, or prefilled syringe, you’ll receive Cosentyx as an injection under your skin.

If your doctor prescribes the single-use vial, you’ll receive the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion from a healthcare professional.

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. They can determine whether a different form or another treatment option would be safer for you.

What strengths does Cosentyx come in?

Cosentyx comes in the following strengths:

  • 300 milligrams (mg) per 2 milliliters (mL)
  • 150 mg/mL
  • 125 mg/5 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 given less often 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.

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
  • 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. For this condition, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin.

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 once per week for 5 weeks. After this, the dosage is lowered to 300 mg every 4 weeks. Each 300-mg dose is given as one injection or two 150-mg injections.

Your doctor may decide you don’t need the higher dose to start. In this case, you’ll receive 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 (kg), which is about 110 pounds (lb), their dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg 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. For this condition in adults, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin or as intravenous (IV) infusions. For this condition in children, the drug is only given as injections under the skin.

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 receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, and then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg per kilogram (kg) once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion based on body weight, and then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

If you continue to have psoriatic arthritis symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg 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 kg (about 33 lb) to less than 50 kg (about 110 lb), their dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg 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 ankylosing spondylitis in adults, Cosentyx is given either as injections under the skin or as intravenous (IV) infusions. The Cosentyx dosage for this condition 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 receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, and then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg/kg once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion based on body weight, and then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

If you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults, Cosentyx is given either as injections under the skin or as intravenous (IV) infusions. The Cosentyx dosage for this condition 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 receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, and then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg/kg once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion based on body weight, and then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

For arthritis affecting inflamed entheses, Cosentyx may be used in children ages 4 years and older. (Entheses are areas on bone where ligaments and tendons attach.) For children, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin.

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

  • For children weighing 15 kg (about 33 lb) to less than 50 kg (about 110 lb), their dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg 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 moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin.The Cosentyx recommended dosage for this condition is as follows:

  • A loading dose of 300 mg is given once per week for 5 weeks.
  • Then, the dosage is lowered to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

If you continue to have hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 4 weeks. Each 300-mg dose is given as one injection or two 150-mg injections.

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
  • how your body responds to 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 may be given as an injection under your skin or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. How you’ll receive the drug depends on several factors, such as your age and the condition being treated.

For Cosentyx injections under the skin, you’ll likely receive your first dose at your doctor’s office or clinic. They may also show you or a caregiver how to give the injection so that you can give subsequent doses at home.

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.

For IV infusions of Cosentyx, you’ll likely receive all of your doses at your doctor’s office or clinic. The drug will be prepared and given by a healthcare professional. They’ll mix the liquid solution that comes in single-use vials with sterile saline before administering your dose. Each infusion will be given over about 30 minutes.

You can talk with your doctor for more information about receiving Cosentyx infusions.

If you miss your regular injection of Cosentyx, take it as soon as you remember. But don’t double your typical 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.

If you miss your appointment for a Cosentyx infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.

If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

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 America’s Poison Centers or use its 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?

To learn more about Cosentyx, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

Will my Cosentyx dosage need to be changed if I have the flu?

Anonymous

A:

Cosentyx may decrease the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

Call your doctor if you have any flu-like symptoms while taking Cosentyx. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your doctor may have you stop taking Cosentyx and treat your flu symptoms if needed. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume Consentyx treatment.

The Healthline Pharmacy TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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.