Cosentyx (secukinumab) is used to treat certain autoimmune conditions. If you’re stopping treatment or switching drugs, you may wonder how long Cosentyx stays in your system.
Cosentyx is a biologic drug used to treat several autoimmune conditions, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. (Biologic drugs are made from living cells.) Cosentyx works by blocking a protein in your body that triggers inflammation.
Keep reading to learn more about how long it takes your body to fully clear Cosentyx and what to expect after stopping treatment. And for more details on the drug, see this in-depth Cosentyx article.
It typically takes about 3 to 5 months for Cosentyx to fully leave your system after your final dose.
Several factors can influence how quickly a drug leaves your body, including your age and your kidney or liver function. However, studies have not found these factors to significantly affect how long Cosentyx stays in the body.
Because Cosentyx reduces inflammation, its effects on your immune system may continue even after the drug has been cleared from your body. Depending on the condition you used Cosentyx to treat, you may continue to have symptom relief for a while after stopping treatment.
Most side effects of Cosentyx go away within weeks to months after stopping treatment. Long-term side effects are uncommon.
The most commonly reported side effects of Cosentyx include diarrhea and upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Because Cosentyx can weaken your immune system, the risk of infection may last for a short time after you stop treatment.
In rare cases, Cosentyx may cause severe skin reactions similar to eczema. These reactions may require treatment in a hospital or cause longer-lasting effects.
If you have ongoing side effects after stopping Cosentyx treatment, talk with your doctor. They can recommend next steps if needed.
If you’re starting Cosentyx treatment, you may wonder how soon you’ll notice your symptoms begin to ease. Many people see results within a few months of starting treatment. However, the time frame can vary based on the condition being treated.
For example, in studies of people using Cosentyx for plaque psoriasis, many people had a significant reduction in symptoms within 12 weeks of starting treatment. For most other conditions, people experienced symptom reduction within 16 weeks.
Your doctor can tell you more about what to expect from Cosentyx treatment based on your specific condition.
Cosentyx stays in your system for about 3 to 5 months after your last dose. Most side effects from the drug should go away within weeks to months, and long-term side effects are uncommon.
If you have other questions about stopping Cosentyx treatment, talk with your doctor. They can help you understand what to expect and can recommend the best approach for your condition.