Secukinumab Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2022.
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, 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
- Chest tightness
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
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
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]
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More about secukinumab
- Drug interactions
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Reviews (200)
- En español
- Drug class: interleukin inhibitors
Patient resources
- Other brands
- Cosentyx
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
3. "Product Information. Cosentyx (secukinumab)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ.
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.