Does Cosentyx (secukinumab) increase the risk of upper respiratory infections?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an immune-modulating biologic used for conditions such as plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Like other targeted immune therapies, it can raise susceptibility to some infections, including upper respiratory infections (URIs). URIs are listed as potential adverse reactions in product information for secukinumab, and patients are generally advised to contact a clinician if they develop infection symptoms. [1]
What URI symptoms should patients watch for while on Cosentyx?
Common URI symptoms that warrant attention include new or worsening sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, cough, fever, and symptoms that do not improve. If you develop signs of infection (especially fever or symptoms that worsen), clinicians typically recommend holding further doses and seeking medical advice so the infection can be evaluated. [1]
Should you stop Cosentyx if you get a cold or flu?
Product guidance generally focuses on contacting a healthcare professional if an infection occurs. Whether dosing should be paused depends on the infection type and severity, but patients are commonly instructed to seek guidance promptly rather than self-managing. If the infection is significant (for example, accompanied by fever or appears serious), clinicians may delay the next dose until the infection resolves. [1]
Is the timing of the infection related to when you start Cosentyx?
Upper respiratory infections can occur at any time during treatment, including after starting therapy, because the medication’s immune effects are present throughout dosing. The risk is not limited to the first dose; it reflects ongoing immune modulation. [1]
Could URIs be mistaken for an allergic or medication side effect?
URIs typically follow a pattern of viral symptoms (congestion, sore throat, cough, sometimes fever). Medication side effects such as nasal symptoms can overlap with URI complaints, so clinicians usually differentiate based on objective signs (fever, exam findings), duration, and whether symptoms follow an infectious course. Because Cosentyx can affect infection risk, clinicians tend to err toward assessing for infection when symptoms are new or worsening. [1]
What should patients do to lower infection risk while on Cosentyx?
Patients are commonly advised to practice standard infection prevention steps (hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines). Vaccination planning should be discussed with the prescribing clinician because recommendations can differ for live versus non-live vaccines in people on biologics. [1]
When does a URI become serious enough to seek urgent care?
Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms include high fever, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or rapid worsening, or if an infection does not improve as expected. For anyone on Cosentyx, prolonged fever or severe respiratory symptoms should be evaluated promptly. [1]
Sources:
[1] FDA Label (Cosentyx, secukinumab) – adverse reactions and infection guidance: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=125544