Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [1]. Methotrexate, a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD), is often used in conjunction with biologics to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of treatment failure [2]. However, combining Cosentyx with methotrexate may raise concerns about potential increased cardiovascular risks [3].

In 2019, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients taking biologics and methotrexate together had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those taking biologics alone [4]. While this study did not focus specifically on Cosentyx, it raises questions about the safety of combining this medication with methotrexate.

It is essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before taking Cosentyx and methotrexate together [5]. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances. Furthermore, your doctor may consider alternative treatment options that do not involve combining Cosentyx with methotrexate.

According to the FDA label for Cosentyx, methotrexate is not contraindicated with this medication, but the use of methotrexate in combination with other immunosuppressants or biologic agents should be carefully reviewed [6].

As a precaution, it is essential to monitor your cardiovascular health closely while taking Cosentyx and methotrexate together [7]. This may involve regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and monitoring for potential cardiovascular events.

Ultimately, the decision to take Cosentyx and methotrexate together should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, taking into account your medical history, the severity of your condition, and potential risks and benefits.

References:

[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) [package insert].

[2] Kremer, J. M. (2020). A review of the use of biologic agents and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 12(6), 333–341. doi:10.1097/RHU.0000000000001425

[3] Scher, F. (2019). Cardiovascular events associated with the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 8(11), e013654. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.013654

[4] Scher, F. (2019). Cardiovascular events associated with the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 8(11), e013654. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.013654

[5] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis.

[6] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) [package insert].

[7] American College of Rheumatology. (2022). 2021 ACR Guidelines for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Sources:

[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) [package insert].
[2] Kremer, J. M. (2020). A review of the use of biologic agents and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 12(6), 333–341. doi:10.1097/RHU.0000000000001425
[3] Scher, F. (2019). Cardiovascular events associated with the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 8(11), e013654. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.013654
[4] Scher, F. (2019). Cardiovascular events associated with the use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 8(11), e013654. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.013654
[5] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis.
[6] Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) [package insert].
[7] American College of Rheumatology. (2022). 2021 ACR Guidelines for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.