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Cosentyx

Chinese name:

可善挺

Medically reviewed by

Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last Updated: 2022-04-22

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a brand medication that contains Secukinumab, which belongs to a class of immunosuppressants. It works by inhibiting the activity of a protein Interleukin (IL) which causes a number of immune diseases like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis.

How to use it?

Cosentyx is available as a pre-filled pen and pre-filled syringe. For plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis in adults, the standard dose is 300 mg by subcutaneous injection, as two injections of 150 mg. Weekly injections are given for 4 weeks followed by monthly injections. You will receive a 300 mg dose given as two injections of 150 mg.

What are the side effects of Cosentyx?

Common side effects of Cosentyx include upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat, runny or stuffy nose), cold sores, diarrhoea, athlete’s foot, headache, nausea and fatigue.

Who should not take Cosentyx?

Anyone who is allergic to any component of Cosentyx
Anyone with active infection
Anyone with low blood cell count
Anyone with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Pharmacist Tips:

Stop using Cosentyx and seek medical help immediately if you notice stomach cramps and pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, or blood in the stool.
Using Cosentyx will put you at risk of infections. Look out for signs like fever and report to your doctor and pharmacist immediately.

Common dosing schedule:
Inject at the scheduled time point for different conditions.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Cosentyx may interact with:

Other immunosuppressants, e.g. Abatacept, Adalimumab
Vaccines

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Cosentyx in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Cosentyx is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Cosentyx in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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