Key takeaways

  • Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of arthritis and other conditions. The drug comes as a liquid solution inside single-use pens, syringes, and vials. It may be given every 4 weeks.
  • Dosages of Cosentyx vary depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual patient factors, sometimes starting with a loading dose to achieve quicker symptom relief.
  • The method of Cosentyx administration (either subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion) depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s age.

Specifically, Cosentyx is used to treat:

The active ingredient in Cosentyx is secukinumab. Cosentyx belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. (These medications are immune system proteins that are made in a lab.)

This article describes the dosages of Cosentyx, as well as its strengths and how to use it.

»LEARN MORE:All About Cosentyx

This section describes the typical dosages of Cosentyx.

What are the forms of Cosentyx?

Cosentyx comes as a liquid solution in these forms:

  • Sensoready pen
  • UnoReady pen
  • prefilled syringe
  • single-use vial

If your doctor prescribes the Sensoready pen, UnoReady pen, or prefilled syringe, you’ll receive Cosentyx as an injection under your skin.

If your doctor prescribes the single-use vial, you’ll receive the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) from a healthcare professional.

The caps for the Sensoready pen and certain strengths of the prefilled syringe contain natural rubber. If you have a latex allergy, be sure to tell your doctor. They can determine whether a different form or another treatment option would be safer for you.

What strengths does Cosentyx come in?

Cosentyx comes in the following strengths:

  • 300 milligrams (mg) per 2 milliliters (mL)
  • 150 mg/mL
  • 125 mg/5 mL
  • 75 mg/0.5 mL

What are the typical dosages of Cosentyx?

Your dosage of Cosentyx will depend on the condition being treated, the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, and other factors. (For more information, see the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section.)

In some cases, your doctor may have you start on a higher dose of Cosentyx. This is called a loading dose or starting dose and it’s used so there’s enough medication in your body to start working right away for symptom relief.

Later doses will likely be given less often than the loading dose. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. This helps reduce the risk of side effects.

Is Cosentyx used long term?

Yes, Cosentyx is typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safely and effectively treating your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

In some cases, dosage adjustments may be needed. Your doctor may adjust your dosage after you start Cosentyx depending on the severity of your condition and the effectiveness of a given dose to manage your symptoms.

It may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve after your dose has been adjusted. If you have questions, ask your doctor about your dosage and what to expect.

For plaque psoriasis, Cosentyx may be used in adults and children ages 6 years and older. For this condition, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis in adults

Most adults using Cosentyx for plaque psoriasis will follow a loading dose schedule. The starting dosage is 300 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After this, the dosage is lowered to 300 mg every 4 weeks. Each 300-mg dose is given as one injection or two 150-mg injections.

Your doctor may decide you don’t need the higher dose to start. In this case, you’ll receive 150 mg once per week for 5 weeks. After this, the dosage is lowered to 150 mg every 4 weeks.

If you have questions about your dosage, be sure to ask your doctor before making changes. Don’t change your dosage on your own. This could cause problems such as increased side effects.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis in children

The recommended dose for plaque psoriasis in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing less than 50 kilograms (kg), which is about 110 pounds (lb), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

For psoriatic arthritis, Cosentyx may be used in adults and children ages 2 years and older. For this condition in adults, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin or as IV infusions. For this condition in children, the drug is only given as injections under the skin.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis in adults

Cosentyx has two different dosages for psoriatic arthritis in adults.

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, your dosage is the same as for plaque psoriasis. (See the previous “Dosage for plaque psoriasis” section for details.)

If you have psoriatic arthritis without moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, your doctor may start you on a loading dose. Your dose will also likely be lower than the dose for plaque psoriasis to start.

  • If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg/kg once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion, then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

If you continue to have psoriatic arthritis symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis in children

The recommended dose for psoriatic arthritis in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing 15 kg (about 33 lb) to less than 50 kg (about 110 lb), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

For ankylosing spondylitis in adults, Cosentyx is given either as injections under the skin or as IV infusions.

The Cosentyx dosage for this condition depends on whether your doctor starts you on a loading dose. They may recommend a loading dose schedule based on how severe your condition is.

  • If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg/kg once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion, then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

If you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults, Cosentyx is given either as injections under the skin or as IV infusions. The Cosentyx dosage for this condition in adults depends on how severe your condition is. If you have more severe symptoms, your doctor may start you on a loading dose.

  • If you’re starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg per week for 5 weeks as injections under your skin, then 150 mg every 4 weeks, or
    • 6 mg/kg once during the first week of treatment as an IV infusion, then 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks.
  • If you’re not starting with a loading dose, you’ll receive either:
    • 150 mg every 4 weeks as injections under your skin, or
    • 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks as IV infusions.

For arthritis affecting inflamed entheses, Cosentyx may be used in children ages 4 years and older. (Entheses are areas on bone where ligaments and tendons attach.) For children, Cosentyx is only given as injections under the skin.

The recommended dose for this condition in children is based on body weight as follows:

  • For children weighing 15 kg (about 33 lb) to less than 50 kg (about 110 lb), the dose is 75 mg.
  • For children weighing 50 kg or more, the dose is 150 mg.

Cosentyx doses are given every week for 5 weeks. After week 5, Cosentyx doses are given once every 4 weeks.

For moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, Cosentyx is given as injections under the skin.The recommended dosage for this condition is as follows:

  • A loading dose of 300 mg is given once per week for 5 weeks.
  • Then, the dosage is lowered to 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg every 2 weeks if you do not adequately respond to treatment and are continuing to have hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. Each 300-mg dose is given as one injection or two 150-mg injections.

The dosage of Cosentyx you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Cosentyx to treat
  • your age
  • how your body responds to your starting dose

Your doctor will prescribe your dosage based on your individual needs. They can explain how all of these factors affect your dosage.

Cosentyx is a medication that may be given as an injection under your skin or as an intravenous (IV) infusion. How you’ll receive the drug depends on several factors, such as your age and the condition being treated.

For Cosentyx injections under the skin, you’ll likely receive your first dose at your doctor’s office or clinic. They may also show you or a caregiver how to administer the injection so that you can give subsequent doses at home.

You can find helpful videos about how to inject Cosentyx on the manufacturer’s website. You can also talk with a Cosentyx support specialist and get live virtual injection training. Call Cosentyx Connect at 844-COSENTYX (844-267-3689) for this service.

You can also ask your pharmacist for more information on how to inject Cosentyx.

For IV infusions of Cosentyx, you’ll likely receive all of your doses at your doctor’s office or clinic. The drug will be prepared and given by a healthcare professional. They’ll mix the liquid solution that comes in single-use vials with sterile saline before administering your dose. Each infusion will be given over the course of about 30 minutes.

You can talk with your doctor for more information about receiving Cosentyx infusions.

If you miss your regular dose of Cosentyx, inject it as soon as you remember. But do not double your typical Cosentyx dose, as this could increase your risk of serious side effects. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist to find out when you should take your next dose.

If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Cosentyx, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone.

If you miss your appointment for a Cosentyx infusion, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll adjust your dosing schedule as needed.

You should not inject more Cosentyx than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you inject too much Cosentyx

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Cosentyx. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.