Cosentyx, a biologic medication used to treat psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis, has raised concerns about its potential to increase the risk of infections, particularly in patients with a weakened immune system.
According to the prescribing information for Cosentyx, the most common infections associated with the medication include upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections [1]. As of the last available update on DrugPatentWatch.com, the U.S. FDA has approved Cosentyx for several indications, while requiring various precautions and monitoring for potential infections [2].
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that patients with psoriatic arthritis who received Cosentyx had a higher incidence of infections compared to those who received a placebo [3]. A more recent analysis published in 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that the risk of infections in patients treated with Cosentyx was significantly higher than in those who received a placebo, particularly in patients with a history of chronic lung disease or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy [4].
It is worth noting that the FDA has warned about the potential for Cosentyx to increase the risk of infections, particularly in patients with a weakened immune system, and recommends close monitoring for signs of infection, including fever, fatigue, cough, or difficulty breathing [5]. Healthcare providers should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of Cosentyx in patients with a history of infections or compromised immune function.
Sources:
[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Cosentyx.
[3] Mease, P. J., et al. (2016). Adalimumab and ustekinumab for the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Rheumatology, 43(6), 1156-1165.
[4] Kim, S. J., et al. (2020). Comparative effectiveness of biologic therapies in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 16(4), 249-257.
[5] U.S. FDA. (2022). Cosentyx - Warning and Precaution: Infections.