FAQs
What is COSENTYX?
COSENTYX treats ankylosing spondylitis in an innovative way. It’s the first medicine of its kind to target IL-17A, one of the many molecules that may be involved in causing an overactive—or noisy—immune system. COSENTYX helps “quiet the noise” in your immune system by targeting IL-17A, and may help you feel better.
Most people who took COSENTYX not only had less spinal pain and stiffness, they also saw improvement in their ability to move, and felt better overall after just 16 weeks compared to placebo.† A similar percentage of people saw improvement at 5 years as well.‡ Learn more.
†At 16 weeks, 6 out of 10 people taking COSENTYX noticed a 20% improvement of their overall symptoms of AS versus 3 out of 10 taking placebo.
‡In this study, patients and doctors were told which medication was being used after 4 months. When patients and doctors know the study drug being used, it may affect the results.
How long has COSENTYX been on the market?
COSENTYX was approved by the FDA in January 2015 to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, in January 2016 to treat active psoriatic arthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis, and in June 2020 to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. COSENTYX has already been prescribed to over 160,000 people in the United States.§
COSENTYX has been studied extensively for more than 12 years in dozens of clinical trials. More clinical trials are still ongoing as we stay committed to studying COSENTYX for people with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
§Across all indications.
What makes COSENTYX different?
COSENTYX is a different kind of targeted biologic. It’s the first and most commonly prescribed treatment of its kind|| and works within your body to target the IL-17A molecule, which is thought to be one of the molecules to play a role in causing inflammation.
“We know there are multiple pathways and multiple molecules involved in inflammation. IL-17A is one of these molecules that could be overproduced in plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. COSENTYX specifically targets IL-17A. Because it’s this specific pathway, that’s the reason it may be different from most other biologics.”
—Dr. Elizabeth Perkins, a Practicing Rheumatologist
||Most prescribed IL-17A treatment across all indications.
How do I take COSENTYX?
COSENTYX is taken by injection, either with the Sensoready® Pen device or a prefilled syringe. Your doctor will show you how to take your medication. To help you feel more comfortable or for a live supplemental injection training refresher, make sure to check out the helpful videos and tools below.
See real patients using the Sensoready Pen
Download the Sensoready Pen Quick Tips brochure so you have it handy.
How do I inject?
A healthcare provider will show you how to prepare and inject COSENTYX properly before you use it for the first time. If you need a refresher, you can watch our supplemental injection demonstration videos or sign up for live, supplemental virtual injection training by calling 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689).
You can also download the Sensoready Pen Quick Tips brochure so you have it handy.
What’s the dosing?
COSENTYX is a convenient once-a-month dose. The recommended dose is 150 mg, which is taken as 1 injection under the skin. To start, your doctor may either prescribe 5 weekly doses or just one dose every 4 weeks, based on what’s right for you. After that, you only need to take COSENTYX every 4 weeks.
If you continue to have AS symptoms, your doctor or rheumatologist may prescribe 300 mg (taken as two 150-mg injections).
Find out more about dosing for ankylosing spondylitis.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects may include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. Keep in mind, these are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Here’s additional information about safety for COSENTYX.
How well will it work?
Individual results may vary. Most people who took COSENTYX not only had less spinal pain and stiffness, they also saw improvement in their ability to move, and felt better overall after just 16 weeks compared to placebo. A similar percentage of people saw improvement at 5 years as well.‡ Learn more.
‡In this study, patients and doctors were told which medication was being used after 4 months. When patients and doctors know the study drug being used, it may affect the results.
When will it start working?
Individual results may vary. At 16 weeks, approximately 6 out of 10 people noticed at least a 20% improvement in overall symptoms of AS.¶ See COSENTYX clinical trial results.
¶About 61% of patients saw this level of improvement versus 28% taking placebo.
What is the COSENTYX® Connect Personal Support Program?
COSENTYX® Connect is a free personal support program that’s tailored to your needs right from the start. When you sign up, you’ll have a Personal Support Specialist to answer questions, help you enroll in the $0 co-pay* program if you’re eligible, and help you get COSENTYX through the Covered Until You’re Covered Program# if there’s a delay in your coverage. You’ll also get personalized tools and services if and when you need them—like a supplemental virtual injection demonstration, and help if your insurance plan changes.
For those who are prescribed COSENTYX, the benefits include:
- Your Personal Support Specialist, who will reach out when you get started, to help get your benefits sorted out and get COSENTYX to you as fast as possible. You can continue to stay in touch with your specialist via phone, e-mail, and text throughout your first year of treatment
- $0 co-pay,* if you’re eligible
- Up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free if your commercial prescription coverage isn't initially approved or you're underinsured# Learn more
- A Welcome Kit with tools, including a Travel Kit, and other resources to help you get started
- A recyclable sharps container
- Supplemental injection training support
- Consumer Brief Summary of Important Safety Information
- Tips and real-life videos
Learn more or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) with questions.
Will my insurance cover COSENTYX?
If you have commercial insurance, COSENTYX® Connect or your specialty pharmacy will conduct a benefits investigation to see whether your insurance covers COSENTYX and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
If you have commercial or private insurance and your prescription coverage isn't initially approved, you may get up to 2 years of COSENTYX for free through Covered Until You're Covered,# while we work with your healthcare provider to try to secure coverage for COSENTYX.
Questions? Please call us at 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) or download the Insurance Coverage Questions brochure.
How do I get a $0 co-pay?
You could pay nothing* for your monthly COSENTYX prescriptions through the $0 co-pay program if you have commercial or private prescription insurance. Start saving today when you sign up for COSENTYX® Connect. Click here to register for a $0 co-pay or call 1-844-COSENTYX (1-844-267-3689) and press option 1.
What if I don’t qualify for the $0 co-pay* or the Covered Until You’re Covered Program#?
Visit Novartis Patient Assistance NOW to get assistance with finding programs that may help you with your Novartis prescription medications. Learn more at www.patientassistancenow.com or by calling 1-800-245-5356.
How does the cost of COSENTYX compare with other biologics?
There are a few factors to consider. First, there’s the type of insurance you have and your coverage. There are also differences in initial dosing, maintenance dosing, and the potential for dose adjustments. Because of all these factors, costs can vary widely. While we can't speak to the cost of other biologics, we are committed to making COSENTYX accessible and affordable and offer a number of savings options. Learn more.
I noticed that the 300-mg pack is 2 x 150 mg. Does it mean 2 injections on the same day?
The recommended dose is 150 mg, taken as 1 injection under the skin. Your rheumatologist may prescribe 5 weekly doses to get you started. If you’re prescribed 300 mg, you will take 2 separate injections as your dose on 1 day. Please check with your doctor or rheumatologist if you have questions about your dose or how to take your medication.
*Limitations apply. Up to a $16,000 annual limit. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions for details.
#Covered Until You're Covered Program: Eligible patients must have commercial insurance, a valid prescription for COSENTYX, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization request. Program requires the submission of an appeal of the coverage denial within the first 90 days of enrollment in order to remain eligible. Program provides initial 5 weekly doses (if prescribed) and monthly doses for free to patients for up to two years or until they receive insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs earlier. Program is not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or any other federal or state program. Patients may be asked to re-verify insurance coverage status during the course of the program. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Limitations may apply. Enrolled patients awaiting coverage for COSENTYX after two years may be eligible for a limited Program extension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this Program without notice. Program enrollment must occur by 12/31/20.
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