Does Cosentyx affect the flu vaccine's effectiveness?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) suppresses parts of the immune system by blocking IL-17A, which can reduce the body's response to vaccines like the flu shot. Studies show patients on Cosentyx produce lower antibody levels after inactivated vaccines (including flu shots) compared to healthy people, but the vaccine still offers some protection.[1][2] Live vaccines are contraindicated due to infection risk.[3]
Official guidance on timing with flu shots
Novartis, Cosentyx's maker, states no need to delay or interrupt treatment for inactivated vaccines like the annual flu shot. You can receive the flu vaccine while on Cosentyx, and vice versa—get vaccinated anytime, even on dosing day.[4] The FDA label echoes this: inactivated vaccines are safe during therapy.[5]
Should you delay your Cosentyx dose anyway?
No routine recommendation exists to delay Cosentyx after a flu shot. Guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology support vaccinating immunosuppressed patients without interrupting biologics like Cosentyx, as pausing increases disease flare risk (e.g., psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis worsening).[6] Delaying offers no proven benefit for vaccine response.
What if you're high-risk or concerned about side effects?
Consult your doctor if you have active infection, recent severe illness, or weak immunity beyond Cosentyx. Some specialists suggest vaccinating 2-4 weeks before starting biologics for optimal response, but this doesn't apply post-vaccination.[7] Monitor for flu symptoms regardless—Cosentyx users face higher infection risks.[8]
Flu shot alternatives or boosters for Cosentyx patients
High-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines (e.g., Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad) may provide stronger protection in immunocompromised patients and are preferred per CDC guidance.[9] No patent or pricing data specific to Cosentyx-vaccine interactions on DrugPatentWatch.com.
Sources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6176691/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29292850/
[3] Cosentyx Prescribing Information, Novartis (2023)
[4] https://www.cosentyx.com/psoriasis/psa/living-with-psa/vaccinations
[5] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/125504s042lbl.pdf
[6] https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.24596
[7] https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/Vaccinations-in-Adults-with-Rheumatic-Diseases.pdf
[8] Cosentyx clinical trials data, EMA summary
[9] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/immunocompromised.html