How is Cosentyx dosed?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is not taken daily. It's an injectable biologic for conditions like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, given by subcutaneous injection on a loading schedule followed by monthly maintenance.[1]
Standard dosing schedule
- Psoriasis (adults): 300 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, then every 4 weeks.
- Psoriatic arthritis: 150-300 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, then every 4 weeks (with or without methotrexate).
- Ankylosing spondylitis: 150 mg at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, then every 4 weeks.
Doses use pre-filled syringes, auto-injectors, or pens; 300 mg is two 150 mg injections.[1][2]
Why not daily?
As an IL-17A inhibitor, Cosentyx targets inflammation with long-lasting effects, allowing monthly dosing instead of daily pills like methotrexate or apremilast (Otezla).[2]
What if I miss a dose?
Inject as soon as possible, then resume the regular schedule. Do not double up.[1]
How does it compare to daily treatments?
Unlike daily orals (e.g., Otezla, taken twice daily), Cosentyx reduces injection frequency after loading but requires refrigeration and self-injection training.[2][3]
[1]: Cosentyx Prescribing Information (Novartis)
[2]: FDA Label for Secukinumab
[3]: Drugs.com - Cosentyx Dosing