Medication Information Leaflet
Secukinumab belongs to a class of medicines called biologics. Biologics are genetically-engineered proteins. Secukinumab works by blocking the activity of a protein called interleukin (IL) 17A. IL-17A levels are increased in diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Secukinumab blocks IL-17A and helps to reduce the activity of the immune system and the symptoms of the diseases.
It may be used alone or together with other DMARDs.
If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Talk to your doctor to discuss when the next dose should be given.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Let your doctor or dentist know that you are taking Secukinumab, as it may increase the risk of infection after a surgical procedure.
Majority of these effects tend to resolve by themselves. Inform your doctor if any side effects persist, if you are unable to tolerate them or the side effects become serious.
Secukinumab may reduce your body’s ability to fight against infection. You should consult a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or feel unwell. Inform the doctor whom you consult that you are taking Secukinumab as the medication may need to be stopped while you are having an infection.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Other rare but serious side effects include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your doctor immediately.
Avoid eating raw, undercooked or half-cooked food.
Secukinumab may interact with other medications or supplements that you are taking. These include:
Inform the doctor, pharmacist or specialty nurse before starting on a new medication or supplement.
Pneumococcal, influenza (flu) and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), OPV (oral polio vaccine), yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines.
Store in the refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in original packaging to protect it from light. Keep this medication away from children.
You may throw this injection away along with the used needles into a metal tin or thick plastic container (eg. detergent bottles). You can also buy a container specially designed to throw sharp items, known as a sharps box, to prevent any injuries due to the needles.
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Oct 2022
This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, December 20, 2022