Cosentyx: Uses, Side effects and Interactions

Overview

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a medication that is a member of a group of monoclonal antibody medications that targets a particular protein implicated in inflammatory responses. Secukinumab is also the generic name for it. Cosentyx was developed by Novartis and has emerged as a critical breakthrough in treating some autoimmune illnesses in the pharmaceutical industry. Cosentyx has got its approval from the FDA to be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Cosentyx, including its mechanism of action, drug category, uses, drug interactions, side effects, and precautions.

How does it work?

• Cosentyx is an inhibitor of interleukin-17A (IL-17A).
• It binds to IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine important in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
• Cosentyx inhibits IL-17A’s interaction with cell receptors by attaching to it, lowering the level of inflammation associated with these diseases.¹Overview| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Uses

Uses of Cosentyx

Cosentyx is used to treat the following:

• Treats psoriasis
• Manages psoriatic arthritis
• Treats Ankylosing spondylitis

Treats Psoriasis

• Cosentyx is an FDA-approved therapy for individuals affected by moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.²Uses| Researched based study from Fda.gov
• It can alleviate symptoms such as skin redness, scaling, and thickness.
• Cosentyx increases patients’ quality of life by reducing the extent and severity of psoriatic lesions.

Psoriatic arthritis management

• Cosentyx is also licensed to treat active psoriatic arthritis, which is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that affects people who have psoriasis.
• Cosentyx relieves joint pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by this condition and can also decrease the rate at which the joint deteriorates.³Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Treats Ankylosing Spondylitis

• A kind of arthritis that affects the backbone and sacroiliac joints is Ankylosing spondylitis.
• Cosentyx has been shown to reduce the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.⁴Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Other uses

• Treats Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Helps in Rheumatoid arthritis management
• Treats Mediterranean fever¹Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• Treats Hidradenitis suppurativa⁵Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Dosage

Dosage of Cosentyx

Cosentyx is available in the following three forms to be injected subcutaneously:

• Dosing pen
• Prefilled syringe
• Powder form, to be mixed with a liquid (Only for doctor’s use)

For plaque psoriasis

• The first dose of 300 mg is administered at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks.
• Followed by a Sc injection of 300 mg dose once in every four weeks.⁶Dosage| Researched based study from Mayoclinic.org

For psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

There are two options for treatment, either with or without the loading dose.

With a loading dose

• A loading dosage of 150 mg is injected through the skin at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Then, every four weeks, another dose.⁶Dosage| Researched based study from Mayoclinic.org

Without a loading dose

• 150 mg subcutaneously administered every four weeks.
• In the event of an unsatisfactory response, physicians may consider 300 mg dose every four weeks.

How to use it?

• A person’s first subcutaneous dosage of Cosentyx injection may be administered in the doctor’s office.⁷Dosage| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov
• Following that, the doctor may teach the person to give Secukinumab injections to themself or have a friend or relative do it.
• Before using Secukinumab injection for the first time, people should read the patient instructions given by the producer.
• If the instructions on the prescription label need to be explained, contact the pharmacist or the doctor to clarify them.
• Secukinumab injection can be injected anywhere on the front of the things, the upper arm on the outside surface, or the abdomen, excluding the navel and the region of 5 centimeters around it.
• Use a different injection location for each injection to lessen the likelihood of discomfort or redness.
• Avoid injecting in the areas where there are scars or stretch marks or the skin is red, bruised or sore.
• Used syringes and needles should be disposed of according to the doctor’s instructions or placed in a puncture-resistant disposable container.
• Secukinumab injection should be administered as indicated and should never be given more, less, or more frequently than recommended by the doctor.⁷Dosage| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov

Side effects

Cosentyx side effects

Cosentyx may cause the following side effects:

• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Feeling sick
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Stuffed nose
• Headache

Some major side effects that should be notified to a doctor immediately include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Face, lip, tongue, or throat swelling⁷Side effects| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov
• Fainting
• Tightness in the chest
• Voice hoarseness

The above-mentioned adverse reactions might not have included every possible negative effect. If a person suffers any other side effects or has any questions, they should visit a doctor immediately.

Contraindications

Contraindications of Cosentyx

In any of the following situations, people should avoid taking Cosentyx:

Hypersensitivity

• Cosentyx may cause a hypersensitivity reaction and should not be administered to individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to Secukinumab or any excipients.²Contraindications| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Infections

• Cosentyx has been linked to an elevated likelihood of infections, including fungal, bacterial, and viral. It is critical to have all appropriate vaccines up to date before beginning Cosentyx. Contact your healthcare practitioner when you experience symptoms associated with infection, such as fever, chills, or a persistent cough.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Cosentyx can reactivate dormant TB infections, so a complete TB evaluation should be performed before starting treatment. People with a history of tuberculosis or were in close association with someone with it should inform their doctor.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)

• Because Cosentyx can aggravate this illness, it should not be used in people with a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Precautions

Precautions

• Vaccinations – avoid live vaccines while using Cosentyx, and make sure you are up to date on any recommended immunizations before beginning therapy, as Cosentyx could decrease the beneficial effects of live vaccines.⁸Precautions| Researched based study from Versusarthritis.org
• Pregnant women – The safety of Cosentyx in pregnant women has not been demonstrated, and patients should see their healthcare professionals before considering Cosentyx medication if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.²Precautions| Researched based study from Fda.gov
• Breastfeeding mothers should inform the doctor that they are nursing as it is not yet demonstrated to be safe for breastfeeding mothers.
• Usage among young children – Cosentyx’s safety and effectiveness in young children have not been studied.

Interactions

Cosentyx Interactions

While particular drug interactions may differ, it is critical to review the following medications with the doctor who treats you:

• Live vaccines – Cosentyx may impair immunological response to live vaccinations. It is best to get any necessary vaccines before starting Cosentyx medication.²Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov
• Biological drugs – Simultaneous use of Cosentyx with other biologic medicines targeting the same inflammation pathways may enhance the risk of side effects. As a result, cosentyx should not be used with other biological medications.⁹Interactions| Researched based study from Rheutmetology.org

Before taking Cosentyx, it is recommended that people discuss all the medications they are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal drugs, and supplements, as the above list of drug interactions does not cover all the medications known to interact with Cosentyx.