Adverse Reactions Associated with Cosentyx: Frequent, Infrequent, Persistent, and Additional Information
Cosentyx (secukinumab), a drug used primarily to treat a range of inflammatory skin and joint disorders, has been approved for several medical uses. This interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inhibitor reduces inflammation by blocking a key cytokine involved in these diseases.
The approved uses of Cosentyx include treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients aged 6 and above, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults and children as young as 2, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults, enthesitis-related arthritis in children aged 4 and above, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults.
Psoriasis patients, including those with skin manifestations on the scalp and nails, can benefit from Cosentyx. It is indicated for those candidates for systemic therapy. In the case of PsA, Cosentyx effectively targets joint symptoms and related manifestations across both adult and pediatric populations, including juvenile forms.
For adults suffering from AS and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, Cosentyx offers relief from inflammatory spinal conditions. In the case of enthesitis-related arthritis, the drug is approved for children aged 4 and above, targeting a form of juvenile arthritis linked to the inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. HS patients with moderate to severe disease and an inadequate response to conventional treatment can find relief with Cosentyx.
While Cosentyx has shown effectiveness in treating these conditions, it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects. Mild side effects include headache, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Serious side effects include infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and eczematous eruptions (skin reactions resembling eczema that can lead to hospitalization).
Cosentyx should be avoided by those with a history of chronic infections. It is also important to note that while Cosentyx does not cause depression as a known side effect, depression can be a side effect of some other drugs used to treat plaque psoriasis.
Alcohol can lower the body's ability to respond to treatment for plaque psoriasis and can interact with methotrexate, a drug sometimes prescribed with Cosentyx. Furthermore, Cosentyx may activate latent TB, a dormant TB infection, if the patient has a history of the disease.
Live vaccines should be avoided while taking Cosentyx due to the drug's immune system-weakening effects. Infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, are a possible side effect of Cosentyx due to its immune system-weakening effects. The safety and effects of Cosentyx during pregnancy or while breastfeeding are not known.
In conclusion, while Cosentyx offers relief for a range of inflammatory skin and joint disorders, it is crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and interact with healthcare professionals regarding any concerns or questions.
[1] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Secukinumab for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. [Internet] 2015 Dec. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA369
[2] European Medicines Agency. Secukinumab EPAR - Product information. [Internet] 2014 Nov. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/secukinumab
[3] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Secukinumab for treating ankylosing spondylitis. [Internet] 2017 Feb. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta431
[4] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Secukinumab for treating psoriatic arthritis. [Internet] 2015 Dec. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta368
[5] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Secukinumab for treating hidradenitis suppurativa. [Internet] 2019 Dec. [cited 2022 Mar 24]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta618
- Cosentyx, an IL-17A inhibitor, is used primarily to treat a range of chronic inflammatory skin and joint disorders, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.
- While Cosentyx can provide relief for patients with moderately severe plaque psoriasis aged 6 and above, it is also approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in adults and children as young as 2.
- The drug is effective for addressing joint symptoms and related manifestations in both adult and pediatric populations, including those with juvenile forms of PsA.
- For individuals suffering from AS and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, Cosentyx offers relief from inflammatory spinal conditions in adults.
- In the case of enthesitis-related arthritis, the drug is approved for children aged 4 and above, targeting a form of juvenile arthritis linked to the inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bone.
- Despite its benefits, Cosentyx has potential side effects, including mild ailments like headache, diarrhea, and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as serious conditions such as tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and eczematous eruptions.
- The drug should be avoided by those with a history of chronic infections, and patients should be cautious about interactions with other treatments or substances, such as alcohol and methotrexate.
- Cosentyx may activate a dormant TB infection, if the patient has a history of tuberculosis, and live vaccines should be avoided while taking the medication due to its immune system-weakening effects.
