FAQs
What is COSENTYX?
COSENTYX treats the inflammatory back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), which is caused by an overactive immune system (an immune system that behaves abnormally by attacking the body's own cells).
COSENTYX is a biologic that targets IL-17A and is prescribed to treat axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a spectrum of disease that includes ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
How long has COSENTYX been on the market?
COSENTYX was approved by the FDA in June 2020 to treat nr-axSpA, in January 2016 to treat active ankylosing spondylitis and active psoriatic arthritis, and in January 2015 to treat plaque psoriasis. 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 across all indications. 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 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 in the spine. This inflammation can cause the painful symptoms of nr-axSpA.
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.
Find out more about dosing for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
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.
When will it start working?
Individual results may vary. In as little as 16 weeks many people taking COSENTYX felt at least a 40% improvement in overall symptoms,‡ with many continuing to see results at 1 year.§ Learn more.
‡41% of people taking COSENTYX vs 28% taking placebo.
§38% of people taking COSENTYX vs 19% taking placebo.
What is the COSENTYX® Connect Personal Support Program?
COSENTYX® Connect is a free, customized program for people considering or starting COSENTYX. When you sign up, you’ll get help enrolling in the $0 co-pay* program if you’re eligible, help getting COSENTYX through the Covered Until You’re Covered Program‖ if there’s a delay in your coverage, and free services and resources, like 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‖ 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
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. 98% of eligible patients who used the program in 2020 paid $0 out of pocket. 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.
*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 the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.
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