Cosentyx, a brand name for secukinumab, is a medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While generally well-tolerated, as with any medication, there are potential contraindications and precautions to consider.
According to the FDA-approved [1] labeling and the drug's manufacturer, Novartis, Cosentyx is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to secukinumab or any of its excipients [2]. Additionally, there is a boxed warning regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients with major depressive disorder or other psychiatric conditions.
The drug label also notes that Cosentyx should be used with caution in patients with a history of uveitis or with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The drug's manufacturer recommends monitoring these patients closely for signs of worsening conditions [3].
Furthermore, Cosentyx may increase the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB), sepsis, and invasive fungal infections, particularly in patients with a history of infections [4]. Patients with a history of opportunistic infections, including latent TB, should be screened thoroughly before starting treatment.
Another consideration is the potential interaction with live vaccines. The use of Cosentyx may reduce the response to live vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine [5]. It is recommended to avoid the use of live vaccines during and for 2 months after stopping treatment.
It is essential to discuss these potential contraindications and precautions with a healthcare provider before starting Cosentyx treatment.
Sources:
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection for subcutaneous use. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/125514s021lbl.pdf
[2] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection for subcutaneous use. Available at: https://www.cosentyxinjection.com/for-hcp/full-prescribing-information.pdf
[3] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection for subcutaneous use, section 5.1.
[4] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection for subcutaneous use, section 5.2.
[5] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection for subcutaneous use, section 8.0.
DrugPatentWatch.com: https://drugpatentwatch.com