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Is a Heart Check Required When Starting Cosentyx?
Understanding Cosentyx and Its Risks
Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It works by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-17A, which plays a key role in inflammation.
What Are the Risks Associated with Cosentyx?
While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in treating inflammatory conditions, it has been associated with several risks, including an increased risk of heart problems. According to the manufacturer, Novartis, the most common side effects of Cosentyx include injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and fatigue.
The Risk of Heart Problems with Cosentyx
In 2018, the FDA issued a warning about the risk of heart problems associated with Cosentyx. The warning was based on data from clinical trials that showed an increased risk of heart problems, including myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, in patients taking Cosentyx.
Is a Heart Check Required When Starting Cosentyx?
So, is a heart check required when starting Cosentyx? The answer is not a simple yes or no. According to the FDA, patients taking Cosentyx should be monitored for signs of heart problems, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Guidelines for Monitoring Heart Problems with Cosentyx
The FDA recommends that patients taking Cosentyx be monitored for signs of heart problems, including:
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Shortness of breath
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Fatigue
* Swelling in the legs or feet
What to Do If You Experience Heart Problems While Taking Cosentyx
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Cosentyx, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Cosentyx and switch to a different medication.
Expert Opinion on the Risk of Heart Problems with Cosentyx
According to Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, "While the risk of heart problems with Cosentyx is a concern, it's essential to weigh this risk against the benefits of the medication. For many patients, the benefits of Cosentyx outweigh the risks."
What to Expect During a Heart Check
During a heart check, your doctor will typically perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram, to evaluate your heart function.
How Often Should You Have a Heart Check While Taking Cosentyx?
The frequency of heart checks while taking Cosentyx will depend on your individual risk factors and medical history. Your doctor may recommend that you have a heart check every 3-6 months while taking Cosentyx.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a heart check is not always required when starting Cosentyx, it's essential to be aware of the risk of heart problems associated with this medication. If you experience any symptoms of heart problems while taking Cosentyx, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Key Takeaways
* Cosentyx has been associated with an increased risk of heart problems, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
* Patients taking Cosentyx should be monitored for signs of heart problems, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
* A heart check may be required if you experience any symptoms of heart problems while taking Cosentyx.
* The frequency of heart checks will depend on your individual risk factors and medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is Cosentyx used to treat?
A: Cosentyx is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
2. Q: What are the risks associated with Cosentyx?
A: The risks associated with Cosentyx include an increased risk of heart problems, injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and fatigue.
3. Q: Do I need a heart check before starting Cosentyx?
A: No, a heart check is not always required before starting Cosentyx. However, you should be aware of the risk of heart problems associated with this medication.
4. Q: How often should I have a heart check while taking Cosentyx?
A: The frequency of heart checks will depend on your individual risk factors and medical history.
5. Q: What should I do if I experience heart problems while taking Cosentyx?
A: If you experience any symptoms of heart problems while taking Cosentyx, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Sources
1. FDA. (2018). FDA warns of increased risk of heart problems with Cosentyx.
2. Novartis. (2022). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
3. Lebwohl, M. (2020). Cosentyx: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(10), 14–16.
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) Patent Expiration.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Psoriasis.