Cosentyx vs. Taltz for Plaque Psoriasis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

Taltz

(ixekizumab)

Summary for Cosentyx

Prescription only

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an injectable medication that treats many inflammatory conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), among others. It works as an interleukin 17 antagonist to lower inflammation in the body. Some people might need a few starter doses. But it's usually injected under the skin once a month. You can use the prefilled syringes, Sensoready Pens, or UnoReady Pens to inject. For some conditions, the medication can also be given as an infusion into the vein at a clinic. The dosing depends on your age, health condition, and treatment plan. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and upset stomach.

Indications for Cosentyx

Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in people 6 years and older
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in people 2 years and older
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in people 12 years and older
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adults
Moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people 12 years and older
Enthesitis-related arthritis in children 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Cosentyx

Pros

Generally injected once a month (might need a few starter doses)
Available as prefilled syringes or pens for at-home injections
Okay for children of certain ages to use (depends on the condition being treated and with the exception of nr-axSpA)
Few side effects

Cons

Must be given as an injection
Might raise the risk of infections
Might cause flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
Sensoready pens and prefilled syringes might not be a good option for people with a latex allergy

Common Side Effects for Cosentyx

Common cold (11%)
Diarrhea (4%)
Upper respiratory tract infections (3%)

Warnings for Cosentyx

Risk of infection
Caution when getting vaccines
Eczema-like skin reaction
Allergic reaction
Inflammatory bowel disease

Summary for Taltz

Prescription only

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an injection that's given under the skin. It helps treat inflammatory conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and some types of arthritis in the spine. This medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen inflammation in the body. You inject Taltz (ixekizumab) once a month using the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. The dose depends on the health problem you're treating. Side effects include upper respiratory infections. You also might feel pain or have redness around the injection area. Taltz (ixekizumab) is a brand-name medication.