Secukinumab
Secukinumab is a biologic medication that works by targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a key protein involved in inflammatory processes. It is used to treat autoimmune conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Secukinumab is an immunosuppressant biologic that blocks IL-17A to reduce inflammation in autoimmune skin and joint conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AC10
- RxNorm
- 1599788
- Generic
- Secukinumab
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Cosentyx
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks after initial loading
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks after initial loading
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 300mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks after initial loading
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid
discontinue therapy; consider alternative treatments; do not initiate during pregnancy
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 20 weeks after last dose; decision to discontinue secukinumab or breastfeeding should consider benefit of therapy to mother
monitor infant for signs of infection
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno dose adjustment required
use with caution; no dose adjustment needed but monitor for infections
regular monitoring for infections and overall clinical status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 17 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for plaque psoriasis in patients 6 years and older; weight-based dosing: 75mg for weight <50kg, 150mg for weight >=50kg at weeks 0,1,2,3,4 then maintenance
monitor growth and development; watch for infections
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severelimited data
use with caution; limited clinical data available
close monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Biologic medication classification
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of action
Common uses
FDA-approved indications
Route of administration
Delivery method
Secukinumab is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes the IL-17A cytokine, preventing it from interacting with its receptor and interrupting the inflammatory cascade that contributes to autoimmune disease.
As an immunosuppressant, secukinumab may increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It is administered by subcutaneous injection and requires appropriate monitoring. Patients should be screened for tuberculosis before starting treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy