This page contains a brief description that does not cover the medication. For more information read the review in Felleskatalogen.no for the respective drug.

Definition

The active substance is secukinumab which blocks IL-17 in the immune system and thus reduces rheumatic inflammation. Cosentyx is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). The dose is 150-300mg subcutaneously monthly, often with more frequent dosing in the first weeks of treatment and depending on the disease being treated.

Indications

• Psoriasis disease in the skin
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylite / axial spondylitis

Cosentyx is not the first treatment choice

Dosage

• Psoriatic arthritis
  • 300mg subcutaneously weekly first 5 weeks, then monthly

• Ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease)
  • 150mg subcutaneously weekly first 5 weeks, then monthly
• Measurement of drug dose; please see here (anx.no/secukinumab)

Side effects

Immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of infection. More on side effects, precautions here (the Norwegian «Felleskatalogen»)

Prescription

• H-prescription which is covered by the patient's health trust

Patient information

• The Norwegian Medical Association
• UpToDate (American side)

Literature

• Wendling D, 2015

Medications, BINDEVEVSSYKDOMMER.no

• Bindevevssykdommer.no
• Vaskulitt.no