Can Cosentyx (secukinumab) cause ear infections or sinus/upper respiratory infections?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) can increase the risk of some infections because it suppresses parts of the immune system involved in inflammation. People taking Cosentyx have reported infections such as upper respiratory infections, sinus symptoms, and other bacterial or viral infections. Ear infections (otitis media/otitis externa) can occur as part of these broader infection risks. If you develop new ear pain, drainage, fever, or worsening hearing while on Cosentyx, treat it as a potentially significant infection and get medical advice promptly.
What should you do if you get an ear infection while on Cosentyx?
If you suspect an ear infection while taking Cosentyx:
- Contact your clinician or pharmacist promptly, especially if symptoms are severe (significant pain, high fever, swelling around the ear, dizziness, or drainage).
- Do not delay treatment if you’re having worsening symptoms.
- Ask whether you should pause the next Cosentyx dose during the infection and while you’re being treated. Your prescriber will decide based on infection type, severity, and your overall risk.
Does a bacterial ear infection mean you can keep taking Cosentyx?
This depends on the infection severity and whether it’s clearly controlled. Clinicians often weigh:
- Whether the infection is mild and responding to standard care quickly, versus severe or spreading
- Fever, drainage, or complications (such as mastoid involvement)
- Your dosing schedule and how long the infection has been present
In general, for more serious infections, prescribers commonly hold the biologic until the infection improves. Follow your prescriber’s guidance for your specific situation.
How to tell “ear infection” vs irritation or referred pain?
Ear pain can come from sources other than the inner ear infection itself, such as:
- Swimmer’s ear (outer ear canal infection)
- Middle ear infection after a cold
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (pressure changes from congestion)
- Skin inflammation or irritation around the ear
- Referred pain from throat or dental issues
Because treatment differs, clinicians may look in the ear with an otoscope and consider whether antibiotics are appropriate.
When is urgent care needed?
Get urgent evaluation if you have ear symptoms plus any of the following:
- Fever with significant ear pain
- Pus/bloody drainage
- Swelling/redness behind the ear, protruding ear, or severe tenderness over the bone behind the ear
- Severe dizziness, vomiting, facial weakness, or worsening neurologic symptoms
- Symptoms in someone who is immunocompromised or with recurrent infections
What other infection risks are people concerned about with Cosentyx?
Patients commonly ask about infections that involve the upper and lower respiratory tract. Discuss your personal infection history with your clinician, particularly if you’ve had recurrent ear/sinus infections, chronic lung disease, or frequent antibiotic courses.
Does Cosentyx affect vaccine timing if ear infections are recurring?
In many cases, staying up to date with vaccines can help lower overall infection risk. Your clinician can advise on which vaccines are appropriate and when, especially because live vaccines are usually avoided on biologics. If you’re getting frequent infections, ask about an infection-prevention plan.
If you tell me your age, whether the infection is middle ear vs outer ear (if you know), your Cosentyx dose schedule (every 2 weeks or monthly after loading), and your symptoms (pain, fever, drainage, hearing changes), I can help you think through what questions to ask your clinician and how quickly you should seek care.