Can you take methotrexate and Cosentyx (secukinumab) together?
Yes. Methotrexate (a DMARD) is commonly used alongside Cosentyx (secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor) in people who need stronger control of inflammatory disease. Using them together is often done in rheumatology and dermatology practice, particularly for conditions where both drugs target different parts of the immune response.
What does “taken 2” mean—two doses or two drugs?
If you mean “Cosentyx and methotrexate taken at the same time,” the key practical point is that they are different medications, so you would follow each drug’s own dosing schedule. If you mean “taken twice,” the frequency depends on the indication and the exact prescribing regimen for each drug (those schedules are not the same).
How are they usually dosed when used together?
They typically keep their standard dosing patterns:
- Methotrexate is often taken once weekly (oral or injection), sometimes with folic acid.
- Cosentyx has a loading phase followed by maintenance dosing, but the schedule depends on the condition being treated.
Your clinician should map out the combined plan so the timing is clear and you don’t accidentally double-dose either medication.
What side effects should you watch for when combining them?
Both drugs can affect infection risk and immune function, so you should watch for:
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent cough, burning with urination, worsening skin infections)
- Mouth sores or unusual fatigue (more commonly associated with methotrexate)
- Worsening gastrointestinal symptoms or signs of hypersensitivity (any medication reaction)
Seek medical advice promptly if you develop infection symptoms or severe adverse effects.
Are there situations where you should not combine them?
Your prescriber may avoid or adjust therapy if you have:
- Active infection
- Significant liver disease or major blood count problems (relevant to methotrexate)
- Any prior serious reaction to either medication
Baseline and periodic blood tests are usually used with methotrexate to monitor liver function and blood counts.
What conditions is this combination used for?
This combo is most often discussed for inflammatory conditions like:
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Plaque psoriasis (in some cases, depending on severity and response)
- Other immune-mediated diseases where both an oral DMARD and an IL-17 blocker may be considered
What questions should you ask your doctor or pharmacist?
Because “taken 2” is ambiguous, the most important clarification is:
- “Do you want them on the same day, or do you mean two injections/tablets total per dosing cycle?”
- “What are my exact days of the week (methotrexate) and my Cosentyx dosing dates?”
- “Do I need folic acid with methotrexate, and how often?”
- “What blood tests and monitoring schedule should I follow?”
If you tell me what “taken 2” means (same day vs twice daily vs two doses per week) and what condition you’re treating, I can help interpret how dosing typically lines up.
Sources: none provided.