For adults with active ankylosing spondylitis
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COSENTYX® (secukinumab) FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
WHAT IS COSENTYX?
COSENTYX is the #1-prescribed treatment of its kind.*
COSENTYX is the first FDA-approved biologic of its kind to help treat ankylosing spondylitis (AS). COSENTYX is designed to target and block the IL-17A molecule, which is believed to play a role in the inflammation that causes ankylosing spondylitis. It’s the first and only† treatment to offer both self-injection and IV infusion dosing options that target IL-17A.‡
Watch this video to see how COSENTYX works.
*Across all indications combined.
†As of January 2024.
‡Treatment for AS that targets IL-17A, one of multiple molecules in the body that may play a role in inflammation.
Watch real stories from real people seeing results with COSENTYX. Hear about where they started and where they are now. Individual results vary.
COSENTYX has a well-studied safety profile. In 2015, COSENTYX was FDA approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In 2016, it was FDA approved to treat active ankylosing spondylitis and active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Then it was approved in 2020 to treat adults with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. It has since been approved to treat children with plaque psoriasis (6 years and older), psoriatic arthritis (2 years and older), and enthesitis-related arthritis (4 years and older). COSENTYX is the #1-prescribed treatment* that targets IL-17A, which is thought to be one of the molecules believed to play a role in causing the inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, over 4.3 million prescriptions have been filled† in the United States.*
COSENTYX has been studied extensively for more than 16 years in dozens of clinical trials across all indications. More clinical trials are ongoing as we stay committed to studying COSENTYX.
*Across all indications combined.
†As of December 2023.
TAKING COSENTYX
COSENTYX can be taken by injection under the skin, either with a Sensoready® Pen, UnoReady® Pen, or a prefilled syringe. The recommended dose for active ankylosing spondylitis is 150 mg. To start, your rheumatologist will either prescribe 5 weekly doses or just 1 dose a month, based on what’s right for you. If your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms continue, your rheumatologist may prescribe 300 mg (taken as two 150-mg injections or as one 300-mg injection).
Get more information on dosing, and please check with your doctor if you have questions about your prescribed dose. Do not use the COSENTYX prefilled syringe if the syringe has been dropped onto a hard surface or dropped after removing the needle cap.
COSENTYX can also be taken via IV infusion. Visit the Taking COSENTYX page to learn more about the infusion process.
Your doctor or healthcare provider will show you how to take your medication. To help you feel more comfortable or for a supplemental training refresher, make sure to check out the helpful videos and tools.
The COSENTYX IV experience is different than the self-injections at home. To learn more about the details of the IV experience, head to the Taking COSENTYX page for a thorough walk-through of what you might expect.
A healthcare provider will show you how to prepare and inject COSENTYX properly before you use it for the first time. For step-by-step instructions, watch the injection demonstration videos for using the Sensoready Pen, UnoReady Pen, or prefilled syringe.
Waiting until COSENTYX is at room temperature can make the injection more comfortable. It’s best to take the medication out of the refrigerator before injecting the Sensoready Pen. Remove COSENTYX from the refrigerator and allow COSENTYX to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes for the Sensoready pen, the 150 mg and 75 mg prefilled syringes; 30 to 45 minutes for the UnoReady pen), without removing the needle cap. Creating a personal routine around taking COSENTYX can also help ease the process and provide comfort as you get used to injections. Finding a peaceful spot, listening to music that calms you, and celebrating with a post-shot treat are some ways to create an injection-time routine. See how others created their COSENTYX injection day routine here.
You should store COSENTYX in a refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep COSENTYX in the original carton, until ready to use to protect from light. Before injection, remove COSENTYX from the refrigerator and allow COSENTYX to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes for the Sensoready Pen, the 150 mg/mL and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes; 30 to 45 minutes for the UnoReady pen and the 300 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe) without removing the needle cap.
COSENTYX 150 mg Sensoready Pen and the 150 mg prefilled syringe may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days, but make sure temperatures don’t go above 86°F (30°C). Write the date COSENTYX was removed from the refrigerator in the space provided on the carton. COSENTYX 150 mg Sensoready Pen and the 150 mg prefilled syringe may be returned to the refrigerator if it hasn’t been used or stored above 86°F (30°C). Throw COSENTYX away in an FDA-approved sharps container if it has been kept outside of the refrigerator and not been used in over 4 days. Do not freeze COSENTYX. Do not shake COSENTYX. Throw away (dispose of) any unused COSENTYX in an FDA-approved sharps container. Keep COSENTYX and all medicine out of the reach of children.
Upon request, we’ll send you a free Welcome Kit full of tools to help you get started and get going, including an insulated Travel Kit in case you need to take COSENTYX with you. Sign up for your free travel bag and other free resources with COSENTYX® Connect.
Sign up for COSENTYX® Connect online or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) to receive a free sharps container for easy disposal for used injectors, and a pre-paid label to return each one when it’s full. Do not throw away (dispose of) used injectors in your household trash.
For more information about disposing your injection devices safely, download Quick Tips for Using the Sensoready Pen, UnoReady Pen, and Prefilled Syringe Instructions for Use, respectively.
Individual results may vary. It's possible to have 3x improvement in mobility reported by those in a clinical trial taking COSENTYX and who completed a questionnaire that asked how difficult it was to perform physical activities. At 16 weeks, approximately 6 out of 10 people noticed at least a 20% improvement in overall symptoms of AS. ‡Find out more on our results page.
‡About 61% of patients saw this level of improvement versus 28% taking placebo.
*Administered subcutaneously (under your skin)
**Results shown in clinical trials using subcutaneous (SC) administration (injection under the skin). The FDA approval of the intravenous (IV) administration (injected into a vein) of COSENTYX is based on data showing that the amount of the medication in your body after it is given directly through IV was within the range that would be seen when given as SC.
COSENTYX SAFETY
The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Here is additional information about safety for COSENTYX.
When you’re considering COSENTYX as a treatment, you should know that COSENTYX has had a well-studied safety profile since its launch in 2015. Over 4.3 million prescriptions of COSENTYX have been filled† in the United States*, and it’s FDA approved to treat a number of inflammatory diseases in adults, kids, and teens. COSENTYX has been studied for more than 16 years in dozens of clinical trials, and more trials are ongoing as we stay committed to studying COSENTYX.
*Across all indications combined.
†As of December 2023.
There are no known interactions between COSENTYX and food or alcohol, but it’s always best to have a conversation with your doctor. COSENTYX should not be used in people who have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.
COSENTYX is an immunosuppressant and may contribute to a higher risk of infections because of its suppressive effect on the immune system. COSENTYX is a targeted biologic that specifically blocks interleukin IL-17A, a molecule that is believed to play a role in causing inflammation.
For more information, read our Medication Guide or Prescribing Information.
GETTING & PAYING FOR COSENTYX
Finding a rheumatologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases like ankylosing spondylitis can help, as they can prescribe COSENTYX for you or a loved one if it’s appropriate. Use our doctor finder tool to connect with a rheumatologist in your area.
The cost of biologics varies, based on certain factors. First, there’s the type of insurance you have and your coverage. There are also differences in initial dosing, maintenance dosing, and the potential for dose adjustments. Because of all these factors, costs can vary widely. If you have private insurance, COSENTYX® Connect or your specialty pharmacy will conduct a benefits investigation to see whether your insurance covers COSENTYX and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
Things should not stand in the way of your getting started with your treatment. At COSENTYX® Connect, we're here to assist in making your experience with COSENTYX as easy, affordable, and convenient as possible. A COSENTYX® Connect Team will help you figure out your insurance coverage benefits. You can also learn more about the options below that may be able to help you pay for COSENTYX if you are eligible.
If you have private insurance and your prescription coverage isn’t initially approved, you may qualify for up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free through the Covered Until You’re Covered Program§ while we work with your healthcare provider to try to secure coverage for COSENTYX. Please see the full Terms & Conditions.
Questions? Please call us at 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) or go to our Insurance Coverage page.
§The Covered Until You're Covered Program is available for COSENTYX subcutaneous injection only. Eligible patients must have private insurance, a valid prescription for COSENTYX, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization request. Program requires the submission of an appeal of the coverage denial within the first 90 days of enrollment in order to remain eligible. Program provides COSENTYX for free to eligible patients for up to two years, or until they receive insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs earlier. A valid prescription consistent with FDA-approved labeling is required. Program is not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other federal or state program. Patients may be asked to reverify insurance coverage status during the course of the program. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Limitations may apply. Enrolled patients awaiting coverage for COSENTYX after two years may be eligible for a limited Program extension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this Program without notice.
COSENTYX® Connect is a support program for people taking or considering COSENTYX®. With a full range of services like a COSENTYX® Connect Team, a co-pay program,‖ and injection help, COSENTYX® Connect is here for you throughout your treatment.
Sign up now for COSENTYX® Connect services and support or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689). We’re here to help make your experience with COSENTYX® as easy, affordable, and convenient as possible. Please see the full Terms & Conditions.
COSENTYX® Connect supports patients who choose to administer COSENTYX® with a self-injection. If you are interested or currently getting COSENTYX® via IV infusion, call 1-844-267-3689 for assistance.
‖Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. Program provides up to $16,000 annually for the cost of COSENTYX and up to $150 per infusion (up to $1,950 annually) for the cost of administration. Co-pay support for infusion administration cost not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions for details.
Patients with private insurance may be eligible to enroll in the COSENTYX® Connect Co-Pay Program* and to pay as little as $0. In fact, 94% of people who used the COSENTYX® Connect Co-Pay program paid nothing out of pocket for their prescription.¶
If you have commercial or private insurance and your prescription coverage isn't initially approved, you may qualify for up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free through the Covered Until You're Covered Program§ while we work with your healthcare provider to try to secure coverage for COSENTYX. Please see the full Terms & Conditions.
Register for the co-pay offer‖ or call 1-844-COSENTYX(1-844-267-3689).
§The Covered Until You're Covered Program is available for COSENTYX subcutaneous injection only. Eligible patients must have private insurance, a valid prescription for COSENTYX, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization request. Program requires the submission of an appeal of the coverage denial within the first 90 days of enrollment in order to remain eligible. Program provides COSENTYX for free to eligible patients for up to two years, or until they receive insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs earlier. A valid prescription consistent with FDA-approved labeling is required. Program is not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other federal or state program. Patients may be asked to reverify insurance coverage status during the course of the program. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Limitations may apply. Enrolled patients awaiting coverage for COSENTYX after two years may be eligible for a limited Program extension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this Program without notice.
‖Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. Program provides up to $16,000 annually for the cost of COSENTYX and up to $150 per infusion (up to $1,950 annually) for the cost of administration. Co-pay support for infusion administration cost not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions for details.
¶2020 data on file.
COVID-19 & COSENTYX
We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You should speak to your doctor before planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. It is important that you do not make any changes to or stop your COSENTYX treatment without first consulting your doctor.
There’s no evidence to show that COSENTYX should be delayed or discontinued in patients receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
According to the COSENTYX Prescribing Information (PI), patients treated with COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines.
However, they may receive non-live vaccines.
For a full list of questions relating to COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 FAQs page.
COSENTYX VOICES OF INSPIRATION
Where can I share my story about how COSENTYX is helping me?
Simply fill out the short form on this page and submit it to our Voices of Inspiration Network. They’ll be in touch with you to learn more about your story.
After they do, stay tuned. Because COSENTYX uses real patients in our communications, we may feature you and your story.
*Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. Program provides up to $16,000 annually for the cost of COSENTYX and up to $150 per infusion (up to $1,950 annually) for the cost of administration. Co-pay support for infusion administration cost not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions for details.
§The Covered Until You're Covered Program is available for COSENTYX subcutaneous injection only. Eligible patients must have commercial insurance, a valid prescription for COSENTYX, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization request. Program requires the submission of an appeal of the coverage denial within the first 90 days of enrollment in order to remain eligible. Program provides COSENTYX for free to eligible patients for up to two years, or until they receive insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs earlier. A valid prescription consistent with FDA-approved labeling is required. Program is not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other federal or state program. Patients may be asked to reverify insurance coverage status during the course of the program. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Limitations may apply. Enrolled patients awaiting coverage for COSENTYX after two years may be eligible for a limited Program extension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this Program without notice.