Are other people reporting blood pressure problems while taking Cosentyx (secukinumab)?
Yes. People have reported blood-pressure–type symptoms while using Cosentyx, including elevated blood pressure or worsening of existing hypertension. These reports show up in patient experiences and medication safety reporting, but they do not prove that Cosentyx directly causes the problem in every case. The relationship can vary by person, existing risk factors (age, baseline hypertension, kidney disease), other medications, and timing of symptoms.
How could Cosentyx be related to blood pressure changes?
Cosentyx is an IL-17A blocker. Inflammation itself can affect cardiovascular risk and blood vessel function, so as disease activity changes, blood pressure readings may shift. Some users also notice changes soon after starting or after dose changes, while others report later onset. Other common explanations for “bp issues” during treatment include unrelated progression of hypertension, medication interactions, weight changes, pain/sleep changes, or steroid tapers/other therapies changing in the background.
What should you do if your BP is high on Cosentyx?
If your blood pressure is elevated, it’s reasonable to contact the prescribing clinician promptly, especially if readings are repeatedly high or you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness, vision changes, or confusion. Clinicians typically check:
- Your baseline BP history and any prior hypertension
- Home BP readings (correct cuff size, proper technique, multiple days)
- Other meds that can raise BP (examples include NSAIDs like ibuprofen, some decongestants, stimulants, and steroids)
- Kidney function and cardiovascular risk factors
- Whether any other therapy changes happened around the same time as the BP change
They may adjust antihypertensive treatment rather than stopping Cosentyx, depending on the severity and the overall health picture.
When is it more concerning and what counts as an emergency?
If BP is extremely high (for example, around 180/120) or you have symptoms of end-organ effects (chest pain, neurologic symptoms, severe shortness of breath, severe headache/vision changes), seek urgent care or emergency evaluation. For less severe elevations, schedule a timely clinician review and track readings.
Could it be unrelated to Cosentyx?
Yes. Hypertension is common, and many people notice “BP issues” during any ongoing treatment because monitoring starts, dosing schedules change, weight/activity shifts, or another illness/medication enters the picture. That’s why timing and ruling out other causes matter.
If you tell me your details, I can help you think through likelihood and next steps
If you want, share:
- Your diagnosis (psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis/ankylosing spondylitis, etc.)
- When you started Cosentyx and when BP changed
- Recent BP readings (and whether they’re from home cuff or clinic)
- Any history of hypertension before Cosentyx
- Current meds (including NSAIDs, decongestants, steroids)
- Any symptoms (headache, chest discomfort, shortness of breath)
With that, I can help you map your situation to what clinicians typically check and what to ask next.