Cosentyx Side Effects

Generic name: secukinumab

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 23, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about secukinumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Cosentyx.

Applies to secukinumab: solution.

Serious side effects of Cosentyx

Along with its needed effects, secukinumab (the active ingredient contained in Cosentyx) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking secukinumab:

More common

• Bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headache
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches
• nausea or vomiting
• passing of gas
• rectal bleeding
• sore throat
• stomach pain, cramps, fullness, discomfort, tenderness, or upset
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• watery or bloody diarrhea

Less common

• Body aches or pain
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• dryness of the throat
• ear congestion
• hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• loss of voice or voice changes
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips
• redness, scaling of the skin
• sore mouth or tongue
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Rare

• Severe diarrhea
• weight loss

Incidence not known

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, reddening, peeling, or swelling of the skin
• chest tightness
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• skin feels like leather
• small bumps or patches

Other side effects of Cosentyx

Some side effects of secukinumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to secukinumab: intravenous solution, subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinea pedis, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, oral herpes

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Oral candidiasis

Frequency not reported: Exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Immunologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Immunogenicity

Frequency not reported: Candida infections, herpes viral infections, staphylococcal skin infections, infections requiring treatment (increased as serum concentration of this drug is increased), neutropenia^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, rhinitis, pharyngitis, rhinorrhea^[Ref]

Hematologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neutropenia^[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Other

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Otitis externa^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are monoclonal antibodies?
• How does Taltz compare to Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis?
• Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
• What happens if Cosentyx is not refrigerated?
• Does Cosentyx cause weight gain or loss?
• How long does it stay in your system?
• Does it weaken the immune system?
• Is Cosentyx a biologic / immunosuppressant?
• Should I take Cosentyx if I have a cold?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer