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Enbrel vs Cosentyx

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Overview

Enbrel Overview

Cosentyx Overview

Comparative Analysis

Enbrel Prescription Information

Cosentyx Prescription Information

Enbrel Safety Profile

Cosentyx Safety Profile

Cost Analysis

Market Analysis

Conclusion

Introduction

For patients dealing with chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, certain drugs that target specific components of the immune system can help in controlling inflammation and managing symptoms. Enbrel and Cosentyx are two such drugs often prescribed for these conditions. They each impact different parts of the immune response but both have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with autoimmune disorders. Enbrel is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker which suppresses the body's inflammatory response by inhibiting TNF, a substance in the body that causes inflammation. On the other hand, Cosentyx is classified as an interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor; it works by blocking IL-17A, a protein involved in triggering an immune response leading to excess inflammation and skin cell production seen in conditions like psoriasis.

Enbrel vs Cosentyx Side By Side

AttributeEnbrelCosentyx
Brand NameEnbrelCosentyx
ContraindicationsShould not be taken if receiving live vaccines or have been treated with them recently. Inform physician about any infections like tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment.Should not be taken if receiving live vaccines or have been treated with them recently. Inform physician about any infections like tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment.
CostAround $4,500 for four single-use prefilled syringes (50 mg/ml)Around $6,000 for two Sensoready pens (150mg/ml)
Generic NameEtanerceptSecukinumab
Most Serious Side EffectSigns of allergic reaction or severe skin reactions, symptoms related to infections like fever, sore throat, changes in vision, irregular heart rhythm, neurological symptoms indicating a nervous system issue.Signs of an allergic reaction or serious skin reactions, symptoms of infection like fever, chills, new or worsening symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, changes in vision, rapid heartbeat.
Severe Drug InteractionsLive vaccinesLive vaccines
Typical Dose50 mg per week for adults300 mg starting dose, given as five injections under the skin at one time during the first week, then monthly

What is Enbrel?

Etanercept (the generic name for Enbrel) was one of the first drugs belonging to the class of TNF inhibitors developed as a treatment for autoimmune disorders. It was approved by the FDA in 1998. Enbrel works by blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which is a part of your immune system that, when overactive, plays a significant role in driving chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. This drug is prescribed mainly for the management of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

Secukinumab (the generic name for Cosentyx), on the other hand, belongs to another innovative class of medications known as IL-17 inhibitors; this class emerged after TNF inhibitors like Enbrel. Approved by the FDA in 2015, Cosentyx targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which also contributes to inflammation but through different biological pathways than TNF-alpha.

While both these drugs are designed to combat inflammation and manage similar conditions with comparable effectiveness rates overall, they work differently within your body’s immune system framework. As such they may have varying side effects profiles based on individual patient factors.

What conditions is Enbrel approved to treat?

Enbrel and Cosentyx are both approved for the treatment of several autoimmune conditions:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints
  • Psoriatic arthritis, an arthritic condition associated with psoriasis
  • Plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis characterized by raised red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells or scale Additionally, Enbrel is also used to manage juvenile idiopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. In contrast, Cosentyx is approved for treating adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation.

How does Enbrel help with these illnesses?

Enbrel helps to manage autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, by binding and inhibiting the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), a cytokine protein that plays a crucial role in promoting inflammation. TNF alpha is produced by immune cells and triggers an inflammatory response when it binds to its receptors on cell surfaces. In people with certain autoimmune diseases, overproduction or prolonged activity of TNF alpha can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. By blocking this interaction, Enbrel reduces the inflammatory response which can limit joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis or reduce skin symptoms in psoriasis.

On the other hand, Cosentyx works differently from Enbrel as it specifically targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), another key player involved in inducing and promoting inflammatory responses particularly seen in disorders like plaque psoriasis. This leads to decreased inflammation helping patients manage their condition more effectively with potentially fewer side-effects compared to non-selective treatments.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is the brand name for secukinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting the action of interleukin-17A, a protein involved in inflammation. It was first approved by the FDA in 2015. Unlike Enbrel (etanercept), which targets tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Cosentyx specifically blocks IL-17A. This specific mechanism of action means its side-effect profile may be different from TNF inhibitors like Enbrel – for instance, it does not seem to increase susceptibility to tuberculosis and other serious infections as much as TNF blockers do. The effects on IL-17A can be beneficial for treating autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis especially in patients who have had inadequate response or intolerance to TNF blocker therapy such as with drugs like Enbrel.

What conditions is Cosentyx approved to treat?

Cosentyx is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of various autoimmune disorders, including:

  • Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
  • Active psoriatic arthritis
  • Active Ankylosing Spondylitis

It's important to note that Cosentyx has shown effectiveness in not only managing symptoms but also slowing down disease progression.

How does Cosentyx help with these illnesses?

Interleukin-17A is a pro-inflammatory cytokine playing a key role in the body's immune response, particularly in the pathogenesis of psoriatic diseases. High levels of Interleukin-17A have been implicated in several inflammatory conditions including psoriasis and arthritis. Cosentyx works by selectively binding to and neutralizing interleukin-17A, thereby reducing inflammation and other symptoms associated with these conditions. Its specific action on this single cytokine offers a targeted approach to treatment as compared to drugs like Enbrel, which inhibits TNF-alpha, another important molecule involved in systemic inflammation but less selective than Cosentyx's mechanism. Given its specificity, Cosentyx may be an effective alternative for patients who do not respond well to TNF-alpha inhibitors such as Enbrel or want more targeted therapy.

How effective are both Enbrel and Cosentyx?

Both etanercept (Enbrel) and secukinumab (Cosentyx) have proven efficacy in treating autoimmune conditions like plaque psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Enbrel received FDA approval in 1998 while Cosentyx was approved in 2015. These two drugs work by targeting different aspects of the immune response - Enbrel targets tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, whereas Cosentyx inhibits interleukin-17A, another key player in inflammation.

The effectiveness of both drugs has been extensively studied through randomized clinical trials. A study published in 2000 showed that Enbrel could significantly reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis over placebo within one month of treatment initiation. In contrast, a similar study on Cosentyx published in 2015 found that it led to clear or almost clear skin for around 80% patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis at Week 12.

A review from the Cochrane database indicated that Enbrel is effective at reducing symptoms and slowing disease progression for various autoimmune disorders starting from the first week of treatment. Furthermore, its safety profile appears favorable compared to other TNF inhibitors as it is generally well-tolerated across diverse patient populations including children and elderly adults.

On the other hand, a meta-analysis conducted in 2020 suggested that Cosentyx seems more effective than placebo at clearing skin plaques associated with psoriasis but reported no difference between Cosentyx and another IL-17 inhibitor ixekizumab. However due to its unique pharmacology where it specifically targets IL-17A without affecting other members of this family which are crucial for host defence against infections; hence making secukinumab safer option among biologics used for managing such chronic inflammatory conditions.

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At what dose is Enbrel typically prescribed?

Dosages of Enbrel for adults usually range from 50 mg per week when treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. For children dealing with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the dosage is determined by their weight. In contrast, Cosentyx's typical dose for adults suffering from moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis is 300mg at the start of treatment (administered as two 150mg injections), followed by a similar dose every month. The effectiveness of these medications can be evaluated after several weeks and adjustments can be made based on medical response. Both treatments should only be taken under close supervision of a healthcare provider.

At what dose is Cosentyx typically prescribed?

Cosentyx treatment generally starts with a loading dosage of 300 mg, which is typically given as five injections under the skin at one time during the first week. Subsequently, this dosage can be administered monthly according to your doctor's instructions. This regimen may vary for different conditions like psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis and should be guided by a healthcare professional. If there is no significant improvement in symptoms after 16 weeks of treatment, then it may be worthwhile consulting with your healthcare provider about adjusting dosages or considering other therapeutic options.

What are the most common side effects for Enbrel?

Typical side effects for Enbrel and Cosentyx might include:

  • Injection site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities in the head)
  • Fatigue or general weakness
  • Rash

More severe but less common side effects may also occur with both medications such as:

  • Serious infections including tuberculosis and fungal infections.

Keep in mind that everyone's reaction to medication is different. If you experience any of these symptoms or anything else unusual, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

abstract image of a patient experiencing side effect

Are there any potential serious side effects for Enbrel?

While both Enbrel and Cosentyx are generally well-tolerated, they can cause potentially serious side effects in rare cases. These may include:

  • Signs of allergic reaction or severe skin reactions: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat.
  • Symptoms related to infections like fever, sore throat, burning during urination; redness, pain where the medication was injected.
  • Changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing halos around lights; sudden dizziness or feeling like you might pass out.
  • Irregular heart rhythm: fast or pounding heartbeats, flutters in your chest leading to shortness of breath.
  • Neurological symptoms that could indicate a nervous system issue - stiff (rigid) muscles, confusion accompanied by high fever and sweating; uneven heartbeat and tremors making you feel faint.

Moreover for Cosentyx specifically:

  • Signs of tuberculosis infection: coughing up blood or mucus, weight loss
  • New worsening symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease

If any of these occur while using either Enbrel or Cosentyx please contact a healthcare provider immediately.

What are the most common side effects for Cosentyx?

Cosentyx, designed to treat conditions like psoriasis and arthritic disorders, can have various side effects. Some patients may experience symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (which could present symptoms like a sore throat or stuffy nose)
  • Runny nose
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea Furthermore, while uncommon, some people might also suffer from more severe side effects like fevers or rash. It's important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation. Always remember that the benefits of treatment should outweigh these potential risks; otherwise, you might need an alternative medication plan.

Are there any potential serious side effects for Cosentyx?

While Cosentyx is generally well-tolerated, it can occasionally elicit severe side effects. It's crucial to recognize these signs and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction or serious skin reactions such as hives, itching, fever, swollen glands, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat
  • Symptoms of infection like fever, chills or a persistent sore throat
  • New or worsening symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (like stomach pain or diarrhea)
  • Changes in vision including blurry vision
  • Rapid heartbeat; irregular heart rhythms may be a sign of a rare but potentially fatal condition known as drug-induced QT prolongation.

Take note that while the risk is small, Cosentyx may increase the chance for upper respiratory tract infections and fungal infections due to its nature as an immunosuppressant.

Contraindications for Enbrel and Cosentyx?

Both Enbrel and Cosentyx, along with most other medications used to treat autoimmune disorders, may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals. If you notice your symptoms worsening or if new ones appear, please seek immediate medical attention.

Neither Enbrel nor Cosentyx should be taken if you are receiving live vaccines or have been treated with them recently. Always inform your physician about the medications you are taking; live vaccines will require a period of around six weeks to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with both Enbrel and Cosentyx.

Moreover, it's crucial to let healthcare professionals know about any infections such as tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment since these drugs can make infections more severe. Also disclose if you have conditions like diabetes, heart failure or nervous system diseases because these may affect how these drugs work for you.

How much do Enbrel and Cosentyx cost?

For the brand name versions of these drugs:

  • The price for four single-use prefilled syringes of Enbrel (50 mg/ml) averages around $4,500 which works out to about $112.5/day if you use one injection per week.
  • The price for two Sensoready pens of Cosentyx (150mg/ml) is approximately $6,000, working out to roughly $75/day assuming that you are using one injection every month.

Thus, if your dosage frequency for Enbrel is high (i.e., more than once a week), then brand-name Cosentyx may be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you as both medicines do not have generic alternatives and each medication's effectiveness can vary significantly from person-to-person.

Because there are no generics available yet for either drug, significant savings compared to the branded versions cannot be had at this time. Both companies offer patient assistance programs that might help lower the cost depending on individual circumstances such as insurance coverage and income level.

Popularity of Enbrel and Cosentyx

Etanercept, available under the brand name Enbrel, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 600,000 people in the US in 2020. Etanercept accounted for nearly 10% of all prescriptions for biologic drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. As one of the first tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on the market, it has remained a popular choice due to its efficacy and safety profile.

Secukinumab, marketed as Cosentyx, is a newer medication that was prescribed to roughly 200,000 people in the USA during 2020. Representing around 3% of similar biologic medications prescriptions within this same period. While Cosentyx accounts for a smaller percentage of overall prescriptions compared with Enbrel currently, its prescription rate has been growing rapidly since it came onto the market in recent years because it targets IL-17A specifically which makes it particularly effective for conditions like psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusion

Both Enbrel (etanercept) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) have a well-established history of usage in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. They are both backed by numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses indicating their effectiveness compared to placebo treatments. Both drugs may be used separately or in combination, but this is subject to careful consideration by a physician as they also interact differently with other medications.

The fundamental difference between the two lies within their mechanisms of action; Enbrel works by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF), while Cosentyx targets interleukin-17A, which means they can be prescribed under different circumstances depending on individual patient needs.

Enbrel is often considered a first-line biologic treatment option due to its longer use in medical practice whereas Cosentyx could either serve as a first-line treatment or as an alternative for those who did not respond adequately to TNF inhibitors like Enbrel.

Both drugs are available only via prescription. The cost of these medications can be quite high without insurance coverage or assistance programs. An adjustment period might also be needed when starting these treatments, meaning effects might not always present immediately after the initial doses.

In terms of side-effects profile, both drugs are generally well-tolerated although some people may experience reactions at injection sites or increased risk of infections due to immune system suppression caused by these medications. Therefore it's crucial that patients monitor any changes carefully especially when initiating therapy and seek immediate medical help if unusual symptoms arise.

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