HS Signs and Symptoms | COSENTYX® (secukinumab)

For adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, or long-lasting, inflammatory skin condition. When you have HS, your immune system is believed to be overactive and produces too much of certain inflammatory molecules, like IL-17A. Too much IL-17A is thought to contribute to excess inflammation in your body that may lead to HS symptoms like bumps and abscesses that can hurt.

HS signs and symptoms can include painful bumps or abscesses, mostly in areas where skin rubs against skin, like the armpits, the groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, and under the breasts. HS abscesses can drain and may lead to tunnels that can leave scars.

Where HS symptoms commonly appear:

Image showing areas of body where HS commonly appears, including the armpits, groin area, inner thighs, buttocks, under the breasts, back of neck, and ears.

How HS may progress

Over time, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may progress or get worse if left untreated, and may lead to scarring; that's why it's important to understand more about HS.

HS can be classified into 3 stages^† based on the severity of the symptoms:

Image showing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) severe symptoms in Hurley stage I

MILD^‡

Mild is when there is 1 bump or multiple inflammatory bumps and abscesses, with no scarring or tunnel (sinus tract) formation.

Image showing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) severe symptoms in Hurley stage II

MODERATE

Moderate is when there are multiple abscesses, along with limited tunnels and/or scarring.

SEVERE

Severe is when there are multiple or extensive interconnected tunnels, abscesses, and scarring.

All images used with permission from DermNet NZ^TM

^†In classifying the severity of your condition, your dermatologist may call these Hurley stages.
^‡COSENTYX® (secukinumab) is approved to treat moderate to severe HS.

HS can feel like it takes over

Living with HS can be a long and frustrating journey. Often, dealing with HS symptoms can make everyday activities a challenge.

Understanding HS

One in 100 people may be affected by HS. Up to 40% may have a family member with the condition.

HS is not contagious or due to poor hygiene.

HS usually begins when people are in their 20s, but it can start as early as puberty or as late as their 50s.

HS is mostly seen in women and disproportionately affects people of color. Hormonal changes may contribute to HS symptoms, and can lead to HS flares, making the symptoms worse.

Other factors that may contribute to HS symptoms getting worse include one's weight or smoking.

FIND A DOCTOR

Ask your dermatologist if COSENTYX® (secukinumab) may be right for you. Real people taking COSENTYX are seeing results. Could you be one of them?

Go Now

Tap to see IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND APPROVED USES

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use COSENTYX if you have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.

What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX?

COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as…

Do not use COSENTYX if you have had a severe allergic reaction to secukinumab or any of the other ingredients in COSENTYX. See the Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients.

What is the most important information I should know about COSENTYX?

COSENTYX is a medicine that affects your immune system. COSENTYX may increase your risk of having serious side effects such as:

Infections

COSENTYX may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Some people have died from these infections.

Your doctor should check you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with COSENTYX.
If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated with medicine for TB before you begin treatment with COSENTYX and during treatment with COSENTYX.
Your doctor should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with COSENTYX. Do not use COSENTYX if you have an active TB infection.

Before starting COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you:

are being treated for an infection
have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back
have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: fevers, sweats, or chills; muscle aches; cough; shortness of breath; blood in your phlegm; weight loss; warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body; diarrhea or stomach pain; burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal

After starting COSENTYX, call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection listed above. Do not use COSENTYX if you have any signs of infection unless you are instructed to by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of COSENTYX?

COSENTYX may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious allergic reactions

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: feeling faint; swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing or throat tightness; chest tightness; skin rash or hives (red, itchy bumps).

If you have a severe allergic reaction, do not give another injection of COSENTYX.

Inflammatory bowel disease

New cases of inflammatory bowel disease or "flare-ups" can happen with COSENTYX, and can sometimes be serious. If you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), tell your doctor if you have worsening disease symptoms during treatment with COSENTYX or develop new symptoms of stomach pain or diarrhea.

Severe skin reactions that look like eczema can happen during treatment with COSENTYX from days to months after your first dose and can sometimes lead to hospitalization. Your doctor may temporarily stop treatment with COSENTYX if you develop severe skin reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms: redness or rash; itching; small bumps or patches; your skin is dry or feels like leather; blisters on the hands or feet that ooze or become crusty or skin peeling.

The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections.

These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Before using COSENTYX, tell your doctor if you:

have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for infections.
have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
are allergic to latex. The needle cap on the COSENTYX Sensoready® pen, and 150 mg/mL and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes contains latex.
have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take COSENTYX should not receive live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date with all vaccines before starting COSENTYX.
have any other medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COSENTYX can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will use COSENTYX.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if COSENTYX passes into your breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch ↗, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

10/23 308659