Live vaccines and the use of Cosentyx (secukinumab) may present potential risks due to the immunosuppressive nature of the drug. Cosentyx is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses [1]. By inhibiting IL-17A, Cosentyx can suppress the immune system, which may increase the risk of infections and complications from live vaccines.

Live vaccines contain weakened forms of the pathogen, which can still replicate and stimulate an immune response [2]. If a person receiving a live vaccine has a weakened immune system due to Cosentyx use, the vaccine strain may cause infection or disease, rather than providing immunity [3].

Examples of live vaccines include:

1. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
2. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
3. Zoster (shingles) vaccine
4. Oral poliovirus vaccine
5. Rotavirus vaccine
6. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis
7. Yellow fever vaccine
8. Typhoid vaccine (oral, live attenuated)
9. Influenza (intranasal) vaccine

Healthcare providers should consider the potential risks when administering live vaccines to patients on Cosentyx or other immunosuppressive therapies [4]. It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the patient's overall health, disease severity, and the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in their environment [5].

In summary, the use of Cosentyx and live vaccines may pose risks due to the immunosuppressive effects of the drug. Healthcare providers should carefully evaluate the need for vaccination and consider alternative vaccine types when possible [6].

Sources:

[1] Novartis. (2021). Cosentyx (secukinumab). <https://www.cosentyx.com/>
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Types of Vaccines. <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/types.htm>
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Who Should Not Get Certain Vaccines. <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-admin/contraindications.htm>
[4] European Medicines Agency. (2019). Cosentyx (secukinumab): Summary of product characteristics. <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/cosentyx-epar-product-information_en.pdf>
[5] World Health Organization. (2014). Position Paper: Live attenuated vaccines in immunocompromised persons. <https://www.who.int/wer/2014/wer9935.pdf>
[6] DrugPatentWatch. (2021). Cosentyx (secukinumab): Patent Expiration & Drug Market Analysis. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/cosentyx-secukinumab-patent-expiration-drug-market-analysis/>