Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis FAQs

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.

How to use the Sensoready Pen

See real patients using the Sensoready Pen

Download the Sensoready Pen Quick Tips brochure so you have it handy.

How to use the prefilled syringe

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.

Cosentyx Connect. Real support. Personal Solutions.

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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Indications

COSENTYX^® (secukinumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat:

people 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of the body, and who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light, alone or with systemic therapy)
adults with active psoriatic arthritis
adults with active ankylosing spondylitis
adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and objective signs of inflammation

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.

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, sometimes serious.

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 take 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.

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.

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.

Before starting 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® 150 mg/mL pen and the 150 mg/mL and 75 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes contain 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.
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.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use COSENTYX?

See the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with your COSENTYX for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of COSENTYX, and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used COSENTYX Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes.

Use COSENTYX exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If your healthcare provider decides that you or your caregiver may give your injections of COSENTYX at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject COSENTYX. Do not try to inject COSENTYX yourself, until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject COSENTYX by your doctor or nurse.

The most common side effects of COSENTYX include: cold symptoms, diarrhea, and upper respiratory infections. These are not all of the possible side effects of COSENTYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COSENTYX® FOR NON-RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS