Skip to main content

Compare
Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Duobrii (halobetasol/tazarotene) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both medications used to treat plaque psoriasis, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Duobrii is a topical lotion that combines a corticosteroid (halobetasol) and a retinoid (tazarotene) to reduce inflammation and thin psoriasis plaques. It is applied once daily to the skin. Cosentyx, on the other hand, is an injectable interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitor that lowers swelling, pain, and inflammation. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Both medications are not usually recommended during pregnancy. Common side effects of Duobrii include skin rash and application site pain, whereas Cosentyx may cause cold symptoms and diarrhea. Additionally, Cosentyx is approved for a wider range of conditions, including psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, unlike Duobrii, which is specifically for plaque psoriasis.

Duobrii

(halobetasol / tazarotene)

Get free coupons

Cosentyx

(secukinumab)

Get free coupons

Summary for Duobrii

Prescription only

Duobrii is a combination medication that contains halobetasol (a corticosteroid) and tazarotene (a retinoid). It's a prescription topical lotion that's FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. The directions for using the medication are to apply a thin amount over the affected area(s) of skin once per day. But avoid putting on the face, groin, and underarms. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin rash and pain at the site of application. Duobrii is brand name only and not available as a generic.

Indications for Duobrii

Pros and Cons for Duobrii

Pros

  • Applied once daily
  • Combines two medications into one lotion
  • Might see some improvements in as early as 2 weeks

Cons

  • For adults only; not studied in children
  • Not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Available as a brand-name product only

Common Side Effects for Duobrii

  • Skin rash (7%)
  • Pain where the medication was applied (3%)

Warnings for Duobrii

  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Skin reactions and skin infections
  • Sun sensitivity and risk of sunburn
  • Cataracts and glaucoma

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

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

Warnings for Cosentyx

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

Prices with our coupons for Duobrii vs. Cosentyx

Price Card Drug Icon
Duobrii1 tube / 100g of 0.01%/0.045%
$1,068.62$1,252.70
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Cosentyx1 carton / 2 sensoready pens of 150mg/ml
$7,189.40$10,968.95
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Plaque Psoriasis drugs

Duobrii vs. BryhaliDuobrii vs. CosentyxDuobrii vs. EnstilarDuobrii vs. ImpoyzDuobrii vs. Skyrizi
Duobrii vs. TremfyaBimzelx vs. TremfyaCosentyx vs. TremfyaEntyvio vs. SkyriziOmvoh vs. SkyriziRinvoq vs. SkyriziSkyrizi vs. BimzelxSkyrizi vs. CosentyxSkyrizi vs. DupixentSkyrizi vs. EnbrelSkyrizi vs. HumiraSkyrizi vs. IlumyaSkyrizi vs. OtezlaSkyrizi vs. RemicadeSkyrizi vs. SimponiSkyrizi vs. TaltzSotyktu vs. SkyriziStelara vs. SkyriziTremfya vs. CosentyxTremfya vs. DupixentTremfya vs. EntyvioTremfya vs. HumiraTremfya vs. IlumyaTremfya vs. OtezlaTremfya vs. Skyrizi

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.