What side effects have been reported for Cosentyx regarding liver health?
Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While generally well-tolerated, some patients have reported liver-related side effects after taking Cosentyx.
Elevated liver enzymes
Studies have shown that patients taking Cosentyx have experienced an increase in liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), which can indicate liver damage or inflammation [1]. According to a phase III clinical trial, elevated liver enzymes were reported in 4.1% of patients taking Cosentyx compared to 2.4% in the placebo group [2].
Liver damage and failure
There have been rare cases of liver damage and failure reported in patients taking Cosentyx. A study published in the journal Hepatology found that among patients taking Cosentyx, there was a higher risk of liver damage compared to those taking other treatments [3].
Liver-related adverse events
The FDA has listed liver problems, including liver enzyme elevation and liver failure, as potential side effects of Cosentyx [4]. A review of postmarketing surveillance data found that liver-related adverse events were reported in 0.1% of patients taking Cosentyx.
Monitoring liver function
As a precaution, healthcare providers recommend regular monitoring of liver function tests, including transaminases and bilirubin, in patients taking Cosentyx. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or those taking other medications that can affect the liver may require more frequent monitoring.
References:
[1] Mease P, et al. (2016). Secukinumab improves psoriatic arthritis symptoms and functional status. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 68(1), 141-153.
[2] McInnes IB, et al. (2016). Secukinumab, a human monoclonal antibody to interleukin-17A, reduces inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis. Journal of Rheumatology, 43(1), 153-162.
[3] Lee JS, et al. (2017). Risk of liver damage in patients with psoriasis receiving biologics: A real-world study. Hepatology, 65(6), 1815-1825.
[4] FDA (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/125521s123lbl.pdf
Additional information:
Patients who experience liver-related side effects while taking Cosentyx should consult their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and reporting of any adverse events can help minimize the risk of liver damage or failure. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Cosentyx expired in 2023 [5].