Secukinumab is used to treat plaque psoriasis (a type of skin disease that is caused by itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales).
This medicine may also be used to treat psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and swelling with inflammation of the skin) and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the spine).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or a caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of Secukinumab, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Secukinumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject in areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard or not intact.
This medicine is available as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To administer this medicine using an injection pen:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
- Dial the correct dose.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button.
- Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 5 to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Remove the needle from the pen. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
- Reset your pen as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Use a new needle in every administration of Secukinumab.
To administer this medicine using an injection syringe:
- Prepare the injection syringe as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Remove the prepared syringe and needle from the vial and hold the injection syringe with your thumb over the plunger.
- Insert the needle against your body using the subcutaneous injection method.
- Gently press the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty.
- Slowly let go of the skin and gently pull the needle out of the skin. Do not recap the needle.
- Dispose your used needles and syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Do not throw away in household trash.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dose and course of the treatment depending on your condition.
This medicine must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Secukinumab even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Secukinumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to administer your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have an active infection as Secukinumab may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of TB (an infection known as tuberculosis) or have been in close contact to someone with these condition
- history of a serious infection or an infection that keeps on coming back
- bowel disease, e.g. Crohn’s disease (long-standing inflammatory disease of the intestines), ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines)
- allergy to latex
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You must use proven birth control methods during Secukinumab therapy and for at least 20 weeks after stopping treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Screening for infections such as TB may be needed to check the appropriateness of Secukinumab therapy.
Routine monitoring of signs and symptoms of infections or bowel inflammation may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Secukinumab may cause any of the following side effects: upper airway infections with symptoms (runny nose, sore throat), cold sores, and diarrhoea.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- signs of infection e.g. fever, chills, night sweats, flu-like symptoms, mouth sore, tiredness, persistent cough, painful or burning sensation when urinating
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccination during treatment with Secukinumab.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8ºC. Do not freeze. Do not shake.
Protect from light by keeping it inside the original carton.
Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This medicine should not be thrown in the household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly dispose this medicine.
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