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Below are the general guidelines for dosing Cosentyx (secukinumab). Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking Cosentyx.

The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA label information provider.

What if I miss a dose of Cosentyx?

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

What if I overdose on Cosentyx?

Doses up to 30 mg/kg intravenously have been administered in clinical trials without dose-limiting toxicity. In the event of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment be instituted immediately. If you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on cosentyx or any medication  please call poison control 1- (800) 222-1222 and 911 in case of medical emergency.

How is Cosentyx administered?

Plaque Psoriasis

The recommended dosage is 300 mg by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks. Each 300 mg dosage is given as 2 subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.

For some patients, a dosage of 150 mg may be acceptable.

Psoriatic Arthritis

For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, use the dosing and administration recommendations for plaque psoriasis [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

For other psoriatic arthritis patients, administer COSENTYX with or without a loading dosage by subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage:

  • With a loading dosage is 150 mg at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter ( some patients may require 300 mg following same schedule)
  • Without a loading dosage is 150 mg every 4 weeks
  • If a patient continues to have active psoriatic arthritis, consider a dosage of 300 mg every 4 weeks.

COSENTYX may be administered with or without methotrexate.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Administer COSENTYX with or without a loading dosage by subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage:

  • With a loading dosage is 150 mg at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter
  • Without a loading dosage is 150 mg every 4 weeks
  • If a patient continues to have active ankylosing spondylitis, consider a dosage of 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

Administer COSENTYX with or without a loading dosage by subcutaneous injection. The recommended dosage:

  • With a loading dosage is 150 mg at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter
  • Without a loading dosage is 150 mg every 4 weeks.

Assessment Prior to Initiation of COSENTYX

Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating treatment with COSENTYX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Important Administration Instructions

There are three presentations for COSENTYX (i.e., Sensoready pen, prefilled syringe, and lyophilized powder in vial for reconstitution). The COSENTYX “Instructions for Use” for each presentation contains more detailed instructions on the preparation and administration of COSENTYX [see Instructions for Use].

COSENTYX is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique using the Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe and when deemed appropriate. The lyophilized powder for reconstitution is for healthcare provider use only. Administer each injection at a different anatomic location (such as upper arms, thighs, or any quadrant of abdomen) than the previous injection, and not into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, erythematous, indurated, or affected by psoriasis. Administration of COSENTYX in the upper, outer arm may be performed by a caregiver or healthcare provider.

Preparation for Use of COSENTYX Sensoready® Pen and Prefilled Syringe

Before injection, remove COSENTYX Sensoready pen or COSENTYX prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow COSENTYX to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes) without removing the needle cap.

The removable cap of the COSENTYX Sensoready pen and the COSENTYX prefilled syringe contains natural rubber latex and should not be handled by latex-sensitive individuals [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Inspect COSENTYX visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. COSENTYX injection is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution. Do not use if the liquid contains visible particles, is discolored or cloudy. COSENTYX does not contain preservatives; therefore, administer the Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe within 1 hour after removal from the refrigerator. Discard any unused product remaining in the Sensoready pen or prefilled syringe.

Reconstitution and Preparation of COSENTYX Lyophilized Powder

COSENTYX lyophilized powder should be prepared and reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection by a trained healthcare provider using aseptic technique and without interruption. The preparation time from piercing the stopper until end of reconstitution on average takes 20 minutes and should not exceed 90 minutes.

a) Remove the vial of COSENTYX lyophilized powder from the refrigerator and allow to stand for 15 to 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Ensure the Sterile Water for Injection is at room temperature.

b) Slowly inject 1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection into the vial containing COSENTYX lyophilized powder and direct the stream of Sterile Water for Injection onto the lyophilized powder.

c) Tilt the vial at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and gently rotate between the fingertips for approximately 1 minute. Do not shake or invert the vial.

d) Allow the vial to stand for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow for dissolution. Note that foaming may occur.

e) Tilt the vial at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and gently rotate between the fingertips for approximately 1 minute. Do not shake or invert the vial.

f) Allow the vial to stand undisturbed at room temperature for approximately 5 minutes. The reconstituted COSENTYX solution should be essentially free of visible particles, clear to opalescent, and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if the lyophilized powder has not fully dissolved or if the liquid contains visible particles, is cloudy or discolored.

g) Prepare the required number of vials (1 vial for the 150 mg dose or 2 vials for the 300 mg dose).

h) The COSENTYX reconstituted solution contains 150 mg of secukinumab in 1 mL of solution. After reconstitution, use the solution immediately or store in the refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze.

i) If stored at 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF), allow the reconstituted COSENTYX solution to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes) before administration. COSENTYX does not contain preservatives; therefore, administer within 1 hour after removal from 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) storage.

How is Cosentyx supplied?

How Supplied

COSENTYX Sensoready pen:

  • NDC 0078-0639-41: Carton of two 150 mg/mL (300 mg dose) Sensoready pens (injection)
  • NDC 0078-0639-68: Carton of one 150 mg/mL single-use Sensoready pen (injection)

COSENTYX prefilled syringe:

  • NDC 0078-0639-98: Carton of two 150 mg/mL (300 mg dose) single-use prefilled syringes (injection)
  • NDC 0078-0639-97: Carton of one 150 mg/mL single-use prefilled syringe (injection)

The removable cap of the COSENTYX Sensoready pen and prefilled syringe contains natural rubber latex. Each Sensoready pen and prefilled syringe is equipped with a needle safety guard.

COSENTYX vial (for healthcare professional use only):

  • NDC 0078-0657-61: Carton of one 150 mg lyophilized powder in a single-use vial (for injection)

Storage and Handling

COSENTYX Sensoready pens, prefilled syringes, and vials must be refrigerated at 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF). Keep the product in the original carton to protect from light until the time of use. Do not freeze. To avoid foaming do not shake. COSENTYX does not contain a preservative; discard any unused portion.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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