Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody (protein which attaches to a specific target) which was approved for its medical use on 10th November 2014.

Secukinumab Injection has been developed to treat various inflammatory conditions like plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylosis.

Secukinumab is available as a powder for solution for injection in the dose 150mg, intended for subcutaneous administration. For adults with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the recommended dose is 300mg subcutaneous injection once a week for 4 weeks. For paediatric patients and adults with axial spondyloarthritis, the recommended dose is 150mg once a week for 4 weeks.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Secukinumab Injection are upper respiratory tract infections, cold sores, diarrhoea, runny nose, athlete’s foot, headache, nausea, tiredness. If you experience allergies, fever, infection, flu-like symptoms, blisters and breathlessness during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Do not receive Secukinumab Injection if you are having an active infection. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of infection while on treatment with Secukinumab. Secukinumab is not recommended if you are allergic to latex, Secukinumab or any of its ingredients, have a history of tuberculosis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been diagnosed with heart problems, nervous system disorders, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. During this treatment your physician may monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. Inform your health care provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice dark urine, yellowing of skin, red, scaly patches on skin, unusual bruising, breathing trouble, hives or chest pain.

Ask your health care provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. Secukinumab is probably unsafe during pregnancy. Tell your doctor before you breastfeed your baby. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive Secukinumab Injection or breastfeed depending on your condition. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and consider using them for at least 20 weeks after the last dose of Secukinumab.

Check with your health care provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Feb 2022] [Accessed on 27th Oct 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3669.pdf
2. Ahmed A. Negm, & Daniel E. Furst, NSAIDs, Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.