Can Cosentyx (secukinumab) cause increased appetite or hunger?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is not known for a well-established side effect profile that includes increased appetite or hunger as a common or typical reaction. Based on available prescribing information and safety-focused sources, the more recognized adverse effects are things like infections (because it affects the immune system), injection-site reactions, and certain gastrointestinal symptoms, rather than appetite stimulation.
That said, people can experience a wide range of side effects that aren’t always captured as “common” in official labels. Individual reports of appetite changes (including feeling hungrier than usual) can occur with many medications, including biologics, even when appetite increase is not a hallmark side effect.
What could explain hunger after starting Cosentyx?
If someone notices increased hunger after beginning Cosentyx, a few non-exclusive explanations are more likely than “Cosentyx directly causes appetite stimulation”:
- Timing/ coincidence: Appetite changes are common in everyday life and can line up with medication start dates without being caused by the drug.
- Inflammation changes: Psoriasis or other immune-driven conditions can affect weight, energy, and eating patterns. When disease activity improves, some people feel more normal and may eat more.
- Medication interactions: Other drugs people often take alongside Cosentyx (for example, corticosteroids or treatments that affect mood/energy) can change appetite.
- Intercurrent illness: Infections or other illnesses can alter appetite in either direction. Because Cosentyx can increase infection risk, new or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.
When should you contact a clinician?
Contact the prescribing clinician promptly if the hunger/appetite change comes with red flags such as:
- Signs of infection (fever, worsening cough, burning with urination, unusual fatigue)
- Rapid or unexplained weight changes
- Severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
- Symptoms of high blood sugar (excess thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision), especially if you have diabetes or prediabetes
How to think about “new hunger” after starting biologics
If the hunger started soon after Cosentyx and persists or worsens, it’s reasonable to report it to the prescriber. They can review:
- Your dosing date and timing pattern
- Other medications you’re taking
- Whether disease activity has changed
- Any lab needs (for example, glucose testing if there are diabetes risk factors or symptoms)
If you share when you started Cosentyx, the dose, and how quickly the hunger began (and whether it’s tied to meals or persists all day), I can help you map out the most likely explanations and what to ask your clinician.
Sources
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