Vaccines Safe with Cosentyx
Cosentyx (secukinumab), an IL-17 inhibitor for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, suppresses parts of the immune system, raising infection risks. It does not broadly impair antibody responses like TNF inhibitors do.[1]
Live vaccines to avoid
Avoid live vaccines (e.g., MMR, varicella, oral polio, yellow fever, live shingles, nasal flu) due to disseminated infection risk. No live vaccines for at least 4-6 weeks before starting Cosentyx and during treatment.[1][2]
Inactivated and subunit vaccines that are safe
These are generally safe and recommended:
- Inactivated influenza (flu shot)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Inactivated polio (IPV)
- Pneumococcal (PCV13, PPSV23)
- Hepatitis A and B
- HPV (Gardasil)
- Recombinant shingles (Shingrix)
- Meningococcal conjugate
Administer these before starting Cosentyx if possible, as responses may be slightly reduced but still protective.[1][2][3]
Timing and Immune Response
Vaccinate 2-4 weeks before Cosentyx initiation for optimal response. During treatment, inactivated vaccines work but titers may be 20-50% lower—booster doses can help for high-risk patients.[3] Post-treatment, wait 3-6 months for live vaccines after stopping.[1]
Special Cases and Patient Concerns
COVID-19 vaccines: mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) and protein subunit (Novavax) are safe; no increased adverse events reported.[4]
Shingles risk: Cosentyx raises herpes zoster odds (3-5% incidence); prioritize Shingrix before or during therapy.[2]
Kids and pregnancy: Same rules apply; consult for catch-up schedules.[1]
Pediatric data limited, but inactivated vaccines align with adult guidance.[3]
What if I got a live vaccine by mistake?
Monitor for infection; consider pausing Cosentyx. No routine serology testing needed.[2]
[1]: Cosentyx Prescribing Information (Novartis)
[2]: CDC Guidelines on Immunization and Immunosuppressants
[3]: American College of Rheumatology Vaccine Guidance
[4]: PubMed: Secukinumab and COVID-19 Vaccination Safety