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Secukinumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 27, 2020.

In Summary

Commonly reported side effects of secukinumab include: infection and nasopharyngitis. Other side effects include: diarrhea. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to secukinumab: subcutaneous solution

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, secukinumab 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 of the skin
  • scaling of the skin
  • sore mouth or tongue
  • tender, swollen glands in neck
  • white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Rare

Incidence not known

  • Dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • tightness in the chest

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

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

Managing side effects (general information)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to secukinumab: 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]

References

1. "Product Information. Cosentyx (secukinumab)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

Frequently asked questions

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