Cosentyx is a biologic medication that is used to treat various autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The active ingredient in Cosentyx is secukinumab, which works by blocking a protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A) that is involved in the inflammatory response. While Cosentyx can be an effective treatment option, there are some risks associated with adjusting the medication.
According to Drug Patent Watch [1], there are several potential risks associated with adjusting the dosage of Cosentyx. These risks include an increased risk of infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, as well as an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma. Additionally, adjusting the dosage of Cosentyx can lead to a worsening of symptoms or a lack of response to the medication.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy [3] found that adjusting the dose of Cosentyx did not significantly affect the efficacy of the medication in treating psoriatic arthritis. However, the study did note that patients who had a higher body mass index (BMI) and those who had previously failed to respond to other biologic medications were less likely to respond to a dose adjustment.
Another study published in PubMed [2] found that adjusting the dose of Cosentyx in patients with psoriasis did not increase the risk of adverse events, such as infections or serious allergic reactions. However, the study did note that patients who received a higher dose of Cosentyx had a greater reduction in their psoriasis symptoms compared to those who received a lower dose.
In conclusion, while adjusting the dose of Cosentyx may be necessary in some cases, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this medication. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and to monitor for any adverse effects.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/biologics/tradename/COSENTYX
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33891380/
[3] https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13075-019-1882-2