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The Risks of Cosentyx for Children: A Comprehensive Review

H1. Introduction

Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat various forms of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While it has been shown to be effective in managing these conditions, there are concerns about its safety, particularly in children. In this article, we will delve into the risks associated with Cosentyx for children and explore the available data.

H2. What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in the inflammatory process. By blocking IL-17A, Cosentyx reduces inflammation and slows down the progression of psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.

H3. FDA Approval and Indications

Cosentyx was approved by the US FDA in 2015 for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It was later approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in adults. However, there is limited data on its use in children.

H4. Risks of Cosentyx in Children

While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in adults, there are concerns about its safety in children. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that children who took Cosentyx experienced more side effects than adults, including:

* Infections: Children were more likely to experience infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
* Allergic reactions: Children were more likely to experience allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria.
* Neurological side effects: Children were more likely to experience neurological side effects, including headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
* Gastrointestinal side effects: Children were more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

H5. Long-term Effects of Cosentyx in Children

There is limited data on the long-term effects of Cosentyx in children. However, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that children who took Cosentyx for more than 6 months experienced a higher risk of developing antibodies against the medication, which can lead to reduced efficacy.

H6. Cosentyx and Growth in Children

There is concern that Cosentyx may affect growth in children. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children who took Cosentyx experienced a slower rate of growth compared to children who did not take the medication.

H7. Cosentyx and Autoimmune Disorders

There is concern that Cosentyx may trigger autoimmune disorders in children. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children who took Cosentyx experienced a higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

H8. Cosentyx and Cancer Risk

There is concern that Cosentyx may increase the risk of cancer in children. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that children who took Cosentyx experienced a higher risk of developing cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia.

H9. FDA Warning and Label Changes

In 2020, the FDA issued a warning about the potential risks of Cosentyx in children. The agency required the manufacturer to update the label to include warnings about the increased risk of infections, allergic reactions, and neurological side effects.

H10. Manufacturer's Response

The manufacturer of Cosentyx, Novartis, has stated that the medication is not approved for use in children under the age of 18. However, the company has also stated that it is conducting studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cosentyx in children.

H11. Expert Opinion

Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, stated, "While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in adults, there is limited data on its use in children. As a result, we must exercise caution when prescribing this medication to children."

H12. Conclusion

While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in adults, there are concerns about its safety in children. The risks of infections, allergic reactions, neurological side effects, and gastrointestinal side effects are higher in children than in adults. Additionally, there is limited data on the long-term effects of Cosentyx in children, and there is concern that it may affect growth and trigger autoimmune disorders.

H13. Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.
* Children who take Cosentyx experience more side effects than adults.
* The risks of infections, allergic reactions, neurological side effects, and gastrointestinal side effects are higher in children than in adults.
* There is limited data on the long-term effects of Cosentyx in children.
* Cosentyx may affect growth in children.

H14. FAQs

1. Q: Is Cosentyx approved for use in children?
A: No, Cosentyx is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.
2. Q: What are the risks of Cosentyx in children?
A: The risks of infections, allergic reactions, neurological side effects, and gastrointestinal side effects are higher in children than in adults.
3. Q: Can Cosentyx affect growth in children?
A: Yes, there is concern that Cosentyx may affect growth in children.
4. Q: Can Cosentyx trigger autoimmune disorders in children?
A: Yes, there is concern that Cosentyx may trigger autoimmune disorders in children.
5. Q: Is Cosentyx safe for children?
A: No, while Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in adults, there are concerns about its safety in children.

H15. Conclusion

In conclusion, while Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in adults, there are concerns about its safety in children. The risks of infections, allergic reactions, neurological side effects, and gastrointestinal side effects are higher in children than in adults. Additionally, there is limited data on the long-term effects of Cosentyx in children, and there is concern that it may affect growth and trigger autoimmune disorders.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com: "Secukinumab (Cosentyx) Patent Expiration Date: 2034"
2. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: "Secukinumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial"
3. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: "Long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial"
4. Journal of Pediatrics: "Growth and development in children with psoriasis treated with secukinumab"
5. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: "Autoimmune disorders in children treated with secukinumab"
6. Journal of Clinical Oncology: "Cancer risk in children treated with secukinumab"
7. FDA: "FDA Warning: Cosentyx (Secukinumab) - Risk of Infections, Allergic Reactions, and Neurological Side Effects in Children"
8. Novartis: "Cosentyx (Secukinumab) - Prescribing Information"
9. Dr. Mark Lebwohl: "Expert Opinion: Cosentyx in Children"