Information for the public
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) is available on the NHS as a possible treatment for active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with signs of inflammation (shown on an MRI scan or through high levels of C-reactive protein in the blood) in adults if:
- conventional treatments (physiotherapy followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has not worked well enough
- the condition has a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score of 4 units or more and a spinal visual analogue scale of 4 cm or more, and
- they cannot have tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, or these have not worked well enough.
If you are not eligible for secukinumab but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.
This organisation can give you advice and support: National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society, 020 8741 1515.
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4194-0
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