What are common Cosentyx side effects?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Like all medications, Cosentyx comes with potential side effects. Common Cosentyx side effects include [1] infections, including upper respiratory, sinusitis, bronchitis, and skin infection. You may also experience injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection [2]. Additionally, Cosentyx may elevate liver enzymes (elevated liver function tests) and cause fatigue [3].
What should I do if I experience severe Cosentyx side effects?
If you experience severe side effects while taking Cosentyx, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, dizziness, or confusion, seek medical attention right away. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have mild to moderate side effects. Your healthcare team may recommend a dose reduction, switching to a different treatment, or stopping Cosentyx altogether [4].
Reporting Cosentyx side effects
If you or someone you know is experiencing a side effect related to Cosentyx, report it to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) MedWatch program or your country's equivalent agency. The FDA encourages healthcare professionals and the public to report any adverse effects experienced while taking medications [5].
How do I manage Cosentyx side effects?
To minimize the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your liver function and complete blood counts while taking Cosentyx. Inform your doctor of all medications you take and be aware of the signs of an infection or allergic reaction [2]. Staying hydrated and getting regular exercise may also help alleviate fatigue and other side effects [6].
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Cosentyx (secukinumab) - Common and Rare Side Effects.
[2] Novartis. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) - full prescribing information.
[3] Healthline. (2022). Cosentyx: Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions.
[4] European Medicines Agency. (2020). Cosentyx: EPAR - Product Information.
[5] FDA. (2022). MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
[6] MedlinePlus. (2022). Cosentyx - Side Effects, Dosage, and Precautions.