Secukinumab
Also known as: Cosentyx
Secukinumab, sold as Cosentyx, is a biologic injection that blocks IL-17, an inflammatory signal that is important in psoriatic and axial disease. For many of my patients it has helped both skin and joints.
Calm, careful medication review by a consultant rheumatologist.
What this medicine is
Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody given as a subcutaneous injection. After a loading period, most patients inject once a month.
Uses and context
It is used in psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other axial spondyloarthritis, and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
How this relates to rheumatology care
Before starting I screen for TB, hepatitis, and review inflammatory bowel disease history because IL-17 inhibitors need caution in people with active gut inflammation. I plan monitoring and vaccinations carefully.
What safety checks may matter
TB and hepatitis screening
Careful history for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Vaccination review before starting
Baseline blood tests
Skin and mouth check for candida (yeast) infections during treatment
Side effects and red flags
If you have emergency symptoms such as severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden vision loss, severe infection symptoms, or severe weakness or confusion, please seek urgent medical care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Persistent fever or signs of severe infection
New or worsening bowel symptoms, blood in stools or severe diarrhoea
Signs of severe allergic reaction
Recurrent oral thrush or other candida infections
Things worth knowing day to day
Avoid live vaccines while on secukinumab.
Not usually preferred if you have active inflammatory bowel disease.
Store injections in the fridge; follow travel guidance in the leaflet.
Pause during significant infections after checking with me.
Questions patients often ask me about this medicine
Speak with me
If secukinumab has been suggested for your psoriatic or axial disease, please message my clinic. I would like to help you decide with clear information.
Other medications used in rheumatology care
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine without advice from your doctor.