Tips

If you have been shown how to self-inject Cosentyx, give yourself a dose once a month, preferably on the same day of the month; otherwise, see your healthcare provider once a month for a dose. If you forget a dose, schedule it as soon as possible, then resume your regular dosing schedule. If you have not been shown how to inject Cosentyx by a health professional, do not attempt to do so.

Take one or two (depending on whether your dose is 150mg or 300mg) Cosentyx injections from the refrigerator and place them on a flat surface, away from children and pets, to warm up to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, no longer. Warm up in no other way (such as by putting in hot water). At room temperature, Cosentyx reduces the risk of stinging. If the liquid is cloudy, contains particles, or is discolored, inspect the injection for discoloration or particulate matter and discard it. Cosentyx liquid should be clear, colorless, or have a slight yellow tinge. Check the expiry date on the injection's side and do not use Cosentyx if it has passed. Cosentyx should not be shaken.

Cosentyx is best injected into the front of your thighs or lower abdomen, avoiding the area around your belly button (stay and inch away from your belly button). If someone else is administering your injection, they can also inject it into the outer area of your upper arm. Change your injection site once a month to avoid injecting into the same spot every time.

Inject only into clear, healthy skin. Do not inject into any bruised, tender, red, scaly, or hard areas. You should also avoid injecting into scars, stretch marks, or psoriasis-affected areas.

If you experience pain when injecting Cosentyx, applying an ice pack to the area of skin where you inject Cosentyx for a few minutes before and after the injection can help.

You should not shake the Cosentyx Sensoready pen before using it. After washing your hands, wipe the injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry. Remove and discard the cap. Hold the pen at a 90-degree angle (straight up and down) to your preferred injection site and press firmly against your skin with your fist. The pen will make two clicks. The first click indicates that the injection has begun, and you must keep the pen firmly in place. The second click indicates that the injection is nearly complete, but you must continue to hold the pen in place until all of the medicine has been dispensed. When the green indicator fills the window and stops moving, the medication has finished dispensing. Take the pen out of your skin. Place the used pen in a sharps container approved by the FDA. Cosentyx Sensoready Pens each contain 150mg of Cosentyx. If you are taking 150mg Cosentyx, use one Cosentyx Sensoready Pen; if you are taking 300mg Cosentyx, use two pens (one at a time) and repeat the above steps for the second pen.

If you're using a prefilled Cosentyx syringe, wash your hands first, then wipe the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry. Throw away the needle cap from the Cosentyx prefilled syringe. Hold the prefilled syringe in one hand and gently pinch the skin at the injection site with the other to form a small bump of skin. Then, at a 45-degree angle, insert the needle into the small bump, making sure to push it all the way in. Place your first two fingers on the syringe's finger grips and slowly push down the plunger as far as it will go with your thumb. Once fully depressed (the plunger head should end between the syringe guard wings), hold the injection for 5 seconds to ensure that all of the medicine has been injected. You can now remove the injection from your skin while keeping the plunger pushed in. Once the injection has been removed from the skin, the plunger can be slowly released, allowing the needle to be covered by the syringe guard. Use an FDA-approved sharps container to dispose of the used Cosentyx prefilled syringe.

Cosentyx should be kept in the refrigerator. Try to use it within one hour of taking it out of the refrigerator. If you inadvertently leave it out of the refrigerator for an extended period of time, the manufacturer recommends that the pre-filled syringe or SensoReady pen be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days, not exceeding 30°C. If Cosentyx has been left out of the fridge for more than four days, discard it. Cosentyx contains no preservatives, and microbial contamination may occur if stored improperly. Cosentyx should not be frozen. Keep light away from Cosentyx.

If you experience shortness of breath, facial or throat tightness after taking Cosentyx, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your doctor right away if you feel ill or notice other signs of infection. Remember to notify your doctor if you experience any other side effects, such as dizziness or fainting.

Cosentyx is linked to an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Any symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, or weight loss should be reported to your doctor.

Inform other medical professionals that you are receiving Cosentyx. All of your vaccinations should be up to date before starting Cosentyx. You should not receive any live vaccines while taking Cosentyx (such as the MMR vaccine or the chickenpox vaccine).

Cosentyx is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks; however, if you become pregnant while taking Cosentyx, notify your doctor immediately.

Before taking any other medications with Cosentyx, consult your doctor or pharmacist.