Cosentyx is a prescription medication used for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Cosentyx is the brand name of a drug called Secukinumab, which is an immune suppressant. Cosentyx reduces the effect of chemicals which are responsible for the inflammation of the skin. Patients who are treated with Cosentyx have shown improvement in pain and fatigue. Cosentyx has been approved by the FDA for treating plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

How does Secukinumab work?

Psoriasis is a condition where the immune system becomes hypersensitive casing inflammation and dry scales of skin. The chemical involved in the inflammation is interleukin-17A (IL17A) which is produced by the T helper 17 (Th17) cells. IL17A stimulates the production of other pro-inflammatory mediators. This results in the pathogenesis of various diseases like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Secukinumab is a drug which binds and neutralizes these IL17A.

It is very important to use Cosentyx as per the prescription. Certain tests are performed before Cosentyx is administered. Lesser or more dosage may not give the desired output. Cosentyx is given as an injection under the skin. It is risky to self-inject the medicine without experience. The needles and syringes have to be disposed of properly. The medication is not daily. The first four Cosentyx shots are taken once every week and the following shots are taken once every four weeks. It is best to rake the shots at different places. One should not inject the medicine into the area which already has psoriasis, inflammation or sore skin.

Cosentyx is a clear to light yellow liquid. Medicines which appear cloudy should be avoided. It is advisable not to shake the syringe or injection pen. The needles and syringes should be used only once. Cosentyx is very sensitive to temperature. It is best to store the medicine in its original container inside the refrigerator. The medicine should be taken out and kept for 15 to 30 minutes to drop to the room temperature before injecting. The medicine should not be kept for more than one hour at room temperature. The medication has shown to create some side effects but proper usage as per the medication and regular check-ups have given positive output for treating plaque psoriasis.