Secukinumab

 

What is Secukinumab?

Secukinumab is a targeted disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to reduce inflammation produced by the body. In certain diseases the immune system is over active, this can target healthy tissues such as joints and the skin. Secukinumab works on the inflammatory pathway to block a protein called IL-17a, thereby reducing the symptoms you get from arthritis such as pain and joint swelling and reduces the chance of further damage to the joints.

 

What is Secukinumab used for?

Secukinumab is used for the treatments of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

 

How is it taken?

Secukinumab is given as an injection into the layer of fat between the skin and muscle. This is called a subcutaneous injection and is usually given into the thigh or abdomen. It can be given alone or in combination with other DMARDs such as methotrexate.

The injection device is available as a prefilled syringe or pen. It should be stored in the fridge at home.

 

The injections are given initially as loading doses at 150mg at week 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 followed by a 150mg injection every 4 weeks thereafter. In certain cases of psoriatic arthritis, the dose may be increased to 300mg (2 150mg injections).

 

It can take up to 12 weeks to have a full effect. You will be seen in clinic at around this point to see how you are getting along.

 

When you first start taking it you will need your bloods monitored. This is done at 3 months and if they are satisfactory, they are then just needed annually. If you are taking other DMARDs that require blood monitoring this should be continued.

 

If your symptoms are very well controlled on secukinumab, the dose can be reduced. Increasing the time between injections does this.

 

Side effects

There are a few possible side effects that can occur in a small number of people that take secukinumab, these include:

 

 

Cautions of use

Interactions with other medications

Contraindications of other conditions

Operations

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Alcohol

Vaccinations

 

Useful Links

Versus Arthritis: http://www.versusarthritis.org