See the DrugPatentWatch profile for cosentyx
What is the usual Cosentyx (secukinumab) dosing schedule?
Cosentyx is dosed based on the condition being treated. Common adult regimens are:
- Plaque psoriasis (adult): 300 mg once weekly for 5 weeks (weeks 0–4), then 300 mg every 4 weeks starting at week 8. [1]
- Psoriatic arthritis: 150 mg once monthly; some patients start with 150 mg weekly for 5 weeks (weeks 0–4) depending on clinician assessment, then 150 mg every 4 weeks. [1]
- Ankylosing spondylitis: 150 mg once monthly. [1]
- Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: 150 mg once monthly. [1]
Cosentyx dosing for some indications can be higher (for example, 300 mg monthly) based on disease severity and response; the prescriber determines the exact regimen. [1]
How do doses differ between 150 mg and 300 mg?
The starting dose and maintenance dose can differ by indication and patient factors. Many regimens are built around:
- 150 mg as a standard monthly maintenance dose for several spondyloarthropathies, and
- 300 mg for plaque psoriasis starting with weekly loading doses before switching to monthly dosing. [1]
Your specific strength and schedule depend on which Cosentyx product you’re using (autoinjector or prefilled syringe) and your diagnosis. [1]
Is there a “loading dose,” and when do you switch to monthly dosing?
For plaque psoriasis in adults, Cosentyx typically uses a loading phase:
- 300 mg once weekly for 5 weeks (weeks 0–4),
- then 300 mg every 4 weeks beginning at week 8 (after an interval that includes week 6–7). [1]
For several other conditions, the regimen is simpler (monthly dosing) without the same weekly loading approach. [1]
What if my dose is delayed or I miss an injection?
Cosentyx is typically taken on a regular schedule determined by the prescriber. If a dose is missed, follow your clinician’s instructions or the medication guide directions for missed dosing. [1]
Are there differences for children or adolescents?
Pediatric dosing depends on the child’s age and diagnosis (and whether it’s within the labeled age ranges for Cosentyx). The exact regimen should follow the official prescribing information for that indication. [1]
Does Cosentyx dosing depend on whether you’re using the pen vs the syringe?
The dose amount (150 mg or 300 mg) is the key driver. The route is the same (subcutaneous injection), but the injection device can affect how the dose is administered (for example, the number of injections needed for a 300 mg dose). Confirm with the product instructions and your prescriber. [1]
Where can I verify the correct dosing for my condition?
Because dosing differs by indication, the safest way to confirm your schedule is to match your diagnosis to the labeled regimen in the prescribing information and your specific product (autoinjector vs prefilled syringe). [1]
Sources:
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=125504