Information for the public
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) in adults when:
- usual systemic treatment (for example, oral antibiotics) has not worked well enough and
- adalimumab is not suitable, did not work or has stopped working.
How well secukinumab is working should be checked from 16 weeks after you have started it. It should be stopped if your hidradenitis suppurativa does not improve 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. See our webpage on 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 webpage on hidradenitis suppurativa may be a good place to find out more.
The HS Support Network – UK and Ireland can give you advice and support, contact:
- Email: hssnukandireland@outlook.com
- Facebook: The HS Support Network UK and Ireland
- Instagram: the_hs_support_network.
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: 978-1-4731-5584-8
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