Secukinumab is an immunosuppressant that is
used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis,
or active ankylosing spondylitis
Secukinumab may also be used for purposes
not listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use secukinumab if you are
allergic to it.
Secukinumab is not approved for use by
anyone younger than 18 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had
tuberculosis or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis. Also tell your
doctor if you have recently traveled. Tuberculosis and some fungal infections
are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed
during travel.
Before you start treatment with
secukinumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have
tuberculosis or other infections.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a chronic infection;
- Crohn’s disease; or
- if you currently have signs of infection such as fever, chills,
muscle pain, cough, trouble breathing, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea,
weight loss, or painful urination.
Make sure you are current on all vaccines
before you begin treatment with secukinumab.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest tightness, difficult breathing;
feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- redness, warmth, or painful sores on your skin;
- cough, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus;
- increased urination, burning when you urinate;
- sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or
“thrush”); - diarrhea, stomach pain; or
- fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, weight loss.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects
and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs will affect secukinumab?
Other drugs may affect secukinumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Keyword: secukinumab.
