FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COSENTYX® (secukinumab) FOR MODERATE TO SEVERE HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA (HS)

COSENTYX is a different kind of targeted biologic. COSENTYX targets and blocks IL-17A, a molecule thought to play a role in the inflammation that may contribute to HS symptoms. It’s the #1-prescribed treatment^† of its kind and it helps treat hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) by working from the inside out.

Watch this video to see how COSENTYX works.

^†Across all indications combined (not including HS).

COSENTYX works from the inside out by targeting and blocking IL-17A, a molecule thought to play a role in the inflammation that may contribute to HS symptoms. Some IL-17A is normal, but when you have HS, it is believed, that your body produces too much IL-17A. This can result in too much inflammation which may lead to HS symptoms like bumps and abscesses on your skin which can hurt.

The relationship between the way COSENTYX works in the body and how it affects HS symptoms is not fully known.

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, with over 4.3 million prescriptions filled^‡ in the United States.^§ COSENTYX was FDA approved to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in 2023.

COSENTYX has been studied extensively for more than 16 years in dozens of clinical trials across all indications. Additional clinical trials are ongoing as we stay committed to studying COSENTYX.

^‡Across all indications combined.         
^§As of December 2023.

COSENTYX is taken by injection, either with a Sensoready® Pen (150-mg/1-mL injection), UnoReady® Pen (300-mg/2-mL injection), or a prefilled syringe (150-mg/1-mL or 300-mg/2-mL injection). For adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), COSENTYX 300 mg is taken as two 150-mg/1-mL injections or one 300-mg/2-mL injection once a week for 5 weeks, then once every 4 weeks thereafter. Use COSENTYX exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

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.

Your doctor or healthcare provider will show you how to take your medication. To help you feel more comfortable or for an injection training refresher, check out the helpful videos and tools. Do not try to inject COSENTYX yourself, until you or your caregiver have been shown how by your doctor or nurse.

In the 2 clinical trials, 41% and 43% of adults taking COSENTYX 300 mg every 4 weeks (after 5 initial weekly doses) achieved at least a 50% reduction in the number of inflammatory bumps and abscesses, with no increase in the number of abscesses and/or draining tunnels at 16 weeks vs 29% and 26% taking placebo. Individual results may vary. Please see Important Safety Information below.

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 our 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 COSENTYX Sensoready Pen out of the refrigerator 15–30 minutes before injecting so that it reaches room temperature. Take the COSENTYX UnoReady Pen out of the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before injecting 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-injection 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, to protect it from light, until you’re ready to use it.

For a more comfortable injection experience, take the COSENTYX Sensoready Pen out of the refrigerator 15–30 minutes before injecting so that it reaches room temperature. Take the COSENTYX UnoReady Pen out of the refrigerator 30–45 min before injecting without removing the needle cap.

The 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 medicines 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 of your used injectors, and a prepaid 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 device safely, download Quick Tips for Using the Sensoready Pen and UnoReady Pen, and Prefilled Syringe Instructions for Use, respectively.

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.

The most common side effects may include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Keep in mind, these are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Here’s additional information about safety for COSENTYX.

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 thought to play a role in inflammation.

For more information, read our Medication Guide or Prescribing Information.

Finding a dermatologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can help, as they can prescribe COSENTYX for you or a loved one if it’s appropriate. Use the doctor finder tool to connect with a dermatologist in your area.

We will do everything we can to help make your medication accessible and affordable. If you have private insurance, here are some questions answered to help you understand the approval process.

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. 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 you 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 dedicated COSENTYX® Connect Team will help you figure out your insurance coverage benefits and 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, which is sometimes referred to as 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 injections 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 personalized services like a dedicated COSENTYX® Connect Team, a co-pay offer^** if eligible, and injection resources, 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.

^**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 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 co-pay offer^§§ or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689).

^††2022 data on file.

^‡‡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.

We encourage you to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a full list of questions relating to COVID-19, visit our Covid FAQs page.

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 FAQs page.

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.