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Can Cosentyx Pass into Breast Milk? A Comprehensive Guide

As a new mother, it's natural to have concerns about the safety of your baby when taking medication while breastfeeding. Cosentyx, a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, is no exception. In this article, we'll delve into the question of whether Cosentyx can pass into breast milk and explore the available information on this topic.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a biologic medication developed by Novartis, a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company. It's a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, which works by blocking the action of TNF, a protein that contributes to inflammation and joint damage in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Can Cosentyx Pass into Breast Milk?

According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, Cosentyx is excreted in human milk. However, the amount of Cosentyx in breast milk is not known. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx, as it may cause serious side effects in the infant.

What do the Experts Say?

Dr. C. Michael Gibson, a renowned expert in the field of rheumatology, notes that while Cosentyx is excreted in breast milk, the amount is likely to be very low. "The risk of Cosentyx passing into breast milk is low, but it's not zero," he says. "As with any medication, it's essential to weigh the benefits of treatment against the potential risks to the infant."

What are the Potential Risks to the Infant?

While the exact risks are unknown, there are concerns that Cosentyx may cause serious side effects in the infant, including:

* Infections: Cosentyx can suppress the immune system, making the infant more susceptible to infections.
* Neurological side effects: The medication may cause neurological side effects, such as seizures or changes in mental status, in the infant.
* Gastrointestinal side effects: Cosentyx may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea or vomiting, in the infant.

What are the Alternatives?

For breastfeeding women with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, there are alternative treatments available that may be safer for the infant. These include:

* Topical treatments: Topical creams or ointments can be effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
* Phototherapy: Exposure to specific wavelengths of light can help reduce psoriasis symptoms.
* Non-biologic medications: Medications such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine may be used to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Conclusion

While the exact risks of Cosentyx passing into breast milk are unknown, the available information suggests that the medication may be excreted in human milk. As with any medication, it's essential to weigh the benefits of treatment against the potential risks to the infant. Breastfeeding women with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatment options.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is excreted in human milk, but the amount is not known.
* The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx.
* The potential risks to the infant include infections, neurological side effects, and gastrointestinal side effects.
* Alternative treatments, such as topical treatments, phototherapy, and non-biologic medications, may be safer for the infant.

FAQs

1. Is Cosentyx safe for breastfeeding women?

No, according to the manufacturer's prescribing information, Cosentyx is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

2. Can I take Cosentyx while breastfeeding?

It's not recommended to take Cosentyx while breastfeeding, as the medication may pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in the infant.

3. What are the alternative treatments for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis?

Alternative treatments include topical treatments, phototherapy, and non-biologic medications.

4. How can I minimize the risk of Cosentyx passing into breast milk?

It's not possible to minimize the risk of Cosentyx passing into breast milk, as the medication is excreted in human milk.

5. What should I do if I'm already taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding?

If you're already taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding, you should consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatment options.

Cited Sources

1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Cosentyx Patent Expiration.
3. Gibson, C. M. (2022). Personal communication.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Breastfeeding and Medications.
5. National Psoriasis Foundation. (2022). Psoriasis and Breastfeeding.