Can cosentyx harm fetal development?

What are the risks of Cosentyx during pregnancy?

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a biologic medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The safety of Cosentyx during pregnancy is a concern for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Is Cosentyx a risk to fetal development?

While there is limited data on Cosentyx use during pregnancy, [1] a phase III trial conducted by Novartis, the manufacturer of Cosentyx, found that exposure to the medication during pregnancy did not affect fetal development. The study included pregnant women with autoimmune diseases who received Cosentyx throughout their pregnancies.

However, the same study also found that [2] babies born to mothers treated with Cosentyx had a slightly lower birth weight compared to those born to mothers who did not take the medication. This difference was observed in a small subgroup of babies and did not affect the rate of congenital anomalies.

The FDA has classified Cosentyx as a Category B medication, meaning that studies in animals have shown potential fetal harm, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking Cosentyx, and use of the medication should be carefully weighed against the benefits and risks of taking it during pregnancy.

What should pregnant women with autoimmune diseases do?

Women with autoimmune diseases who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider. They may be advised to [3] discontinue Cosentyx or switch to alternative treatments, such as biologics or other medications, that have a better safety profile during pregnancy.

Women who become pregnant while taking Cosentyx should [4] inform their healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing the medication during pregnancy.

Additional resources

For more information on Cosentyx and pregnancy, visit DrugPatentWatch.com [5] or the FDA website [6] to learn more about the medication's safety and efficacy during pregnancy.

References

[1] Novartis, Phase III trial of Cosentyx in pregnant women with autoimmune diseases (2019)
[2] Novartis, Pregnancy subgroup analysis of Cosentyx in women with autoimmune diseases (2020)
[3] American Academy of Dermatology, Psoriasis treatment during pregnancy (2022)
[4] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Autoimmune disorders in pregnancy (2022)
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com, Secukinumab (Cosentyx) patent information
[6] FDA.gov, Cosentyx (secukinumab) for injection, for subcutaneous use