Key takeaways
- Cosentyx (secukinumab) comes as a subcutaneous injection under the skin or an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein.
- Doctors may prescribe it to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and other conditions.
- You may be able to administer Cosentyx single-dose UnoReady pens, single-dose Sensoready pens, and single-dose prefilled syringes yourself. A healthcare professional will administer the IV infusion in a clinic or at another healthcare facility.
Cosentyx has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat the following conditions:
- plaque psoriasis in adults and certain children
- psoriatic arthritis in adults and certain children
- ankylosing spondylitis in adults
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (doesn’t show up on X-rays) in adults
- enthesitis-related arthritis in certain children
- hidradenitis suppurativa in adults
This article looks at how to self-inject Cosentyx via subcutaneous injection, where to find training videos, and more.
If you are receiving Cosentyx via a subcutanous injection, a doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to administer your first dose. When you’re ready to self-inject the drug, you may choose to inject it into your abdomen or thigh. You may also have another person or a caregiver inject the drug into your upper arm.
Each time you inject a dose of the drug, you should rotate your injection sites to lessen discomfort and reduce certain Cosentyx injection side effects, such as the risk of skin reactions. Skin reactions may include skin discoloration, irritation, or itching.
If you choose to administer the drug into your abdomen, you’ll want to inject the drug into a spot that is at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
Does a Cosentyx injection hurt?
Possibly. Whether a Cosentyx injection hurts depends on various, such as:
- your individual pain sensitivity to injections
- the site you choose to inject
- whether you’ve let the medication warm to room temperate before injecting it
- the device you’re using to administer your injections
Some people won’t feel any pain, while others may experience some discomfort. If you experience significant discomfort when injecting the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to inject your doses in a more comfortable way.
If you’re wondering where you can find instructions on how to inject Cosentyx, you can view training videos on the manufacturer’s website and read other information. Videos are based on the injection device you use and include instruction for:
If you have questions about how to inject Cosentyx, there are resources, such as training videos, that can assist you. If you self-inject Cosentyx, you can inject it into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Remember to rotate your injection site with each dose to decrease the chances of skin reactions, such as irritation or itching.