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secukinumab (Cosentyx)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Secukinumab is an injectable biologic drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment of psoriasis. It is an antibody that binds to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a chemical produced by cells in the body that stimulates immune reactions. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by an increase in the production of T-lymphocytes in response to the attachment of a stimulant, such as interleukin, to the lymphocyte. Stimulated T-lymphocytes cause skin cells to grow rapidly, and the rapid growth of the skin cells produces the skin plaques of psoriasis. Secukinumab reduces symptoms of psoriasis (inflammation and excessive production of skin cells) by attaching to IL-17A, preventing it from binding and activating T-lymphocytes. The FDA approved secukinumab in January, 2015.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Secukinumab is used for the treatment of adult patients (18 years or older) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or medications that are absorbed into the blood stream (systemic therapy).

SIDE EFFECTS WARNING:

Serious infections may occur. Secukinumab should be used cautiously in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infections. If a serious infection occurs, secukinumab should be stopped until the infection resolves. Patients should be tested for tuberculosis before treatment with secukinumab. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with active Crohn's disease because secukinumab may cause a flare up of Crohn's disease. Serious allergic reactions may occur. Secukinumab should be stopped immediately if serious allergic reactions occur.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of secukinumab are:

Cold symptoms Diarrhea Upper respiratory tract infections

Secukinumab may reduce the ability of the immune system to fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It also may cause a flare up of Crohn's disease. The cap of the Sensoready pen and the prefilled syringe in which secukinumab is packaged contains natural rubber latex which may cause an allergic reaction in latex-sensitive people.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 10/23/2015

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.