COSENTYX Solution for injection in pre-filled pen Ref.[8526] Active ingredients: Secukinumab

Source: European Medicines Agency (EU)  Revision Year: 2019  Publisher: Novartis Europharm Limited, Vista Building, Elm Park, Merrion Road, Dublin 4, Ireland

Therapeutic indications

Plaque psoriasis

Cosentyx is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Psoriatic arthritis

Cosentyx, alone or in combination with methotrexate (MTX), is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients when the response to previous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate (see section 5.1).

Ankylosing spondylitis

Cosentyx is indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis in adults who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.

Posology and method of administration

Cosentyx is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Cosentyx is indicated.

Posology

Plaque psoriasis

The recommended dose is 300 mg of secukinumab by subcutaneous injection with initial dosing at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Each 300 mg dose is given as two subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.

Psoriatic arthritis

For patients with concomitant moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or who are anti-TNFα inadequate responders (IR), the recommended dose is 300 mg by subcutaneous injection with initial dosing at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Each 300 mg dose is given as two subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.

For other patients, the recommended dose is 150 mg by subcutaneous injection with initial dosing at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Based on clinical response, the dose can be increased to 300 mg.

Ankylosing spondylitis

The recommended dose is 150 mg by subcutaneous injection with initial dosing at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by monthly maintenance dosing. Based on clinical response, the dose can be increased to 300 mg. Each 300 mg dose is given as two subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.

For all of the above indications, available data suggest that a clinical response is usually achieved within 16 weeks of treatment. Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients who have shown no response by 16 weeks of treatment. Some patients with an initial partial response may subsequently improve with continued treatment beyond 16 weeks.

Special populations

Elderly patients (aged 65 years and over)

No dose adjustment is required (see section 5.2).

Renal impairment/hepatic impairment

Cosentyx has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Cosentyx in children below the age of 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

Cosentyx is to be administered by subcutaneous injection. If possible, areas of the skin that show psoriasis should be avoided as injection sites. The solution/the pen must not be shaken.

After proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, patients may self-inject Cosentyx if a physician determines that this is appropriate. However, the physician should ensure appropriate follow-up of patients. Patients should be instructed to inject the full amount of Cosentyx according to the instructions provided in the package leaflet. Comprehensive instructions for administration are given in the package leaflet.

Overdose

Doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 2000 to 3000 mg) have been administered intravenously in clinical studies without dose-limiting toxicity. In the event of overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment be instituted immediately.

Shelf life

Shelf life: 18 months.

If necessary, Cosentyx may be stored unrefrigerated for a single period of up to 4 days at room temperature, not above 30°C.

Special precautions for storage

Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze.

Store the pens in the original package in order to protect from light.

Nature and contents of container

Cosentyx is supplied in a single-use pre-filled syringe assembled into a triangular-shaped pen with transparent window and label. The pre-filled syringe inside the pen is a 1 ml glass syringe with a silicone-coated bromobutyl rubber plunger stopper, staked 27G x 1⁄2′′ needle and rigid needle shield of styrene butadiene rubber.

Cosentyx is available in unit packs containing 1 or 2 pre-filled pens and in multipacks containing 6 (3 packs of 2) pre-filled pens.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Cosentyx 150 mg solution for injection is supplied in a single-use pre-filled pen for individual use. The pen should be taken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before injecting to allow it to reach room temperature.

Prior to use, a visual inspection of the pre-filled pen is recommended. The liquid should be clear. Its colour may vary from colourless to slightly yellow. You may see a small air bubble, which is normal. Do not use if the liquid contains easily visible particles, is cloudy or is distinctly brown. Detailed instructions for use are provided in the package leaflet.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

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