secukinumab 150 mg/mL subcutaneous pen injector

Generic name:
Secukinumab - subcutaneous injection

Pronunciation
(SEK-ue-KIN-ue-mab)

Brand name(s)
Cosentyx

This medication is used to treat plaque psoriasis and certain types of arthritis (such as arthritis of the spine, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis). It is also used to treat a certain skin disorder (hidradenitis suppurativa). Secukinumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain natural protein in your body (interleukin-17A) that may cause inflammation and swelling.

Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using secukinumab and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will make sure that you have received all your vaccinations and also test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms of TB during and after treatment with this drug. If needed, treatment for tuberculosis or other infections should be given before receiving this medication.

Inject this medication under your skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

Depending on your product, take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 to 45 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product for cloudiness, particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin with scars or stretch marks or that is irritated, sore, bruised, red, hardened, or affected by psoriasis. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Diarrhea may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, white patches in the mouth, cough).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• stomach/abdominal pain
• diarrhea with blood/mucus

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using secukinumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe/pen), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis, herpes, hepatitis)
• bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

Secukinumab can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you are using secukinumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect from light. Some forms of this medication may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is stored at room temperature, discard after 4 days. Check the product package to see if that applies to your product. Otherwise, the medication should be used within 1 hour after taking it out of the refrigerator. Discard any unused portion after use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.