How does cosentyx impact one's appetite?

Short answer: Cosentyx (secukinumab) does not directly affect appetite. Appetite changes aren’t listed as a common or expected side effect of this medication.

What to know:
- Common side effects with Cosentyx include upper respiratory infections (like a cold), diarrhea, headache, fatigue, nausea, and injection-site reactions.
- IL-17A inhibition can slightly increase the risk of infections (including fungal infections like candidiasis), but these aren’t typically described as appetite changes.
- Appetite or weight changes could happen indirectly if you’re feeling unwell from an infection, GI symptoms, or if your overall disease symptoms improve and your energy and eating patterns change. But these would be indirect, not a direct drug effect.

If you notice a new or persistent change in appetite, weight, or anything else bothersome:
- Talk with the healthcare provider who prescribed Cosentyx. They can evaluate for other causes (infection, GI issues, thyroid problems, stress, other meds) and determine if any action is needed.
- Keep a simple diary of what you’re eating, any symptoms, and your weight to share with your clinician.

If you’d like, I can summarize the most common side effects listed in the Cosentyx labeling or help you think of questions to ask your doctor.