Generic medicine

Secukinumab: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Secukinumab is a biologic (monoclonal antibody) that is indicated, per approved labeling, for the following conditions: FDA-approved / established indications Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in…

Forms:Injection

About Secukinumab

Indications of Secukinumab

Secukinumab is a biologic (monoclonal antibody) that is indicated, per approved labeling, for the following conditions:

FDA-approved / established indications

  • Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
  • Active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
  • Active ankylosing spondylitis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
  • Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, in adults.
  • Active enthesitis-related arthritis in pediatric patients 4 years of age and older.
  • Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

Guideline-supported use

Secukinumab is also recommended in several international rheumatology and dermatology guidelines (e.g., for psoriatic disease and axial spondyloarthritis) as a treatment option, typically after inadequate response to conventional or other first-line systemic therapy, or as an alternative biologic within its approved indications above.

Secukinumab is not indicated for infectious, non-inflammatory, or unapproved conditions, and is not an antibiotic.

Dosage & Administration of Secukinumab

Dosing of Secukinumab is individualized by indication, and, for pediatric patients, by body weight. It is administered by subcutaneous injection in most settings; an intravenous loading option is available for certain adult indications and must be given by a healthcare professional.

Plaque psoriasis

PopulationDoseSchedule
Adults300 mg SC (150 mg may be used in some patients)Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥6 yrs, <50 kg75 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥6 yrs, ≥50 kg150 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks

Psoriatic arthritis

PopulationDoseSchedule
Adults (SC)150 mg (up to 300 mg if inadequate response)With or without loading doses at Weeks 0–4; then every 4 weeks
Adults (IV loading, specialist use)6 mg/kg once, then 1.75 mg/kg (max 300 mg)Week 0, then every 4 weeks
Children ≥2 yrs, 15 to <50 kg75 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥2 yrs, ≥50 kg150 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks

Ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

PopulationDoseSchedule
Adults (SC)150 mg (up to 300 mg if inadequate response)With or without loading doses at Weeks 0–4; then every 4 weeks
Adults (IV loading, specialist use)6 mg/kg once, then 1.75 mg/kg (max 300 mg)Week 0, then every 4 weeks
Children ≥12 yrs (ankylosing spondylitis only), <50 kg75 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥12 yrs (ankylosing spondylitis only), ≥50 kg150 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks

Enthesitis-related arthritis (pediatric)

PopulationDoseSchedule
Children ≥4 yrs, 15 to <50 kg75 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥4 yrs, ≥50 kg150 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks

Hidradenitis suppurativa

PopulationDoseSchedule
Adults300 mg SC (may increase to every 2 weeks if inadequate response)Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥12 yrs, 30 to <90 kg150 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks
Children ≥12 yrs, ≥90 kg300 mg SCWeeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4; then every 4 weeks

Renal/hepatic impairment

No formal dose-adjustment studies have been conducted; because Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody cleared by general protein catabolism rather than renal or hepatic pathways, no specific dose adjustment is established. Use with routine clinical judgement in patients with significant organ impairment.

Administration technique

Allow the pre-filled syringe or pen to warm to room temperature for the time specified on the product before injecting. Inject subcutaneously into the thigh, abdomen (avoiding a 2-inch/5 cm area around the navel), or upper arm, rotating injection sites and avoiding skin that is tender, bruised, red, indurated, or affected by psoriasis. Patients or caregivers may self-inject after adequate training; the intravenous formulation is given only by a healthcare professional as a 30-minute infusion using an in-line filter, and is not established for pediatric use.

Side Effects of Secukinumab

The most commonly reported side effects of Secukinumab include:

  • Nasopharyngitis (common cold-like symptoms)
  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Rhinitis and pharyngitis
  • Headache
  • Oral herpes
  • Injection-site reactions (redness, pain, swelling)

Less common but clinically important effects include transient neutropenia, mucocutaneous candida infections, and new-onset or worsening inflammatory bowel disease. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria) and serious infections have been reported; see Precautions and Warnings for details and required monitoring.

Contraindications of Secukinumab

Secukinumab is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known serious hypersensitivity to Secukinumab or to any excipient of the formulation — serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported.
  • Clinically important active infection — Secukinumab should not be initiated in a patient with an active, clinically significant infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated (see Precautions and Warnings for infection monitoring).

Frequently Asked Questions about Secukinumab

What is Secukinumab used for?

Secukinumab is a biologic medicine (an interleukin-17A inhibitor) used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis, active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis in children, and moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa, in patients who meet the approved age criteria for each condition.

How is Secukinumab given, and how often?

Secukinumab is usually given as a subcutaneous injection into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Most regimens start with weekly doses at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by maintenance dosing every 4 weeks (every 2 weeks in some hidradenitis suppurativa cases). The exact dose (75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg) depends on the condition being treated and, in children, on body weight.

Who should not use Secukinumab?

Secukinumab should not be used by anyone with a known serious allergy (hypersensitivity) to Secukinumab or any ingredient in the injection, as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported. It should also not be started in someone with an active, clinically significant infection until that infection has been properly treated and resolved.

Is Secukinumab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Information on Secukinumab use during pregnancy is limited, so it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the baby; a physician should be consulted first. It is not known whether Secukinumab passes into breast milk, so a doctor should help weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the mother's need for treatment before it is used while breastfeeding.

What are the most common side effects of Secukinumab?

The most frequently reported side effects of Secukinumab are nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and injection-site reactions. Because Secukinumab can increase the risk of infection, patients should tell their doctor promptly about any signs of infection, fever, or unusual illness during treatment.

Do I need any tests before starting Secukinumab?

Yes. Because Secukinumab can increase infection risk, doctors typically screen patients for tuberculosis (TB) (active and latent) before starting treatment, and latent TB is treated first if found. Patients should also make sure routine vaccinations are up to date, since live vaccines should be avoided while on Secukinumab.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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