What has NICE said?
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) is recommended. It is a possible treatment for adults with active ankylosing spondylitis if treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or TNF-alpha inhibitors hasn't worked.
Treatment should be assessed after 16 weeks and should only continue if there is clear evidence that it is working.
If you have active ankylosing spondylitis and your doctor thinks that secukinumab is right for you, then you should be able to have the treatment on the NHS.
The treatment should be available on the NHS within 3 months of the guidance being issued.
The condition and the treatment
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is a long-term, progressive condition. The main symptom is back pain.
Secukinumab blocks the action of interleukin‑17A, a substance in the body involved in the development of ankylosing spondylitis.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
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National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, 0208 741 1515
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Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), 020 7842 0910 or 020 7842 0911
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Arthritis Action, 0800 652 3188
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Back Care, 0208 977 5474
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Versus Arthritis, 0800 520 0520
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2081-5