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The Safety of Cosentyx During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review

As a medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, Cosentyx (secukinumab) has become a popular choice for many patients. However, one of the most pressing concerns for women of childbearing age is the safety of Cosentyx during pregnancy. In this article, we will delve into the available research and expert opinions to determine whether Cosentyx is safe to use during pregnancy.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a biologic medication that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in the inflammatory response. It is used to treat conditions such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with these conditions.

Pregnancy and Biologics: A Complex Issue

Biologics, including Cosentyx, are complex molecules that can be transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy. This raises concerns about the potential risks of these medications to the developing fetus. However, it's essential to note that the majority of biologics, including Cosentyx, have not been extensively studied in pregnant women.

Cosentyx and Pregnancy: What the Research Says

While there is limited research on the use of Cosentyx during pregnancy, a few studies have investigated the safety of biologics, including secukinumab, in pregnant women. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that secukinumab was not associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in pregnant women with psoriasis (1).

FDA Labeling and Pregnancy

The FDA has not established a pregnancy category for Cosentyx, but it is listed as a category C medication, indicating that animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women (2). The FDA label also warns that Cosentyx may cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.

Expert Opinions on Cosentyx and Pregnancy

Industry experts have varying opinions on the safety of Cosentyx during pregnancy. Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, states, "While there is limited data on the use of secukinumab during pregnancy, it is generally considered safe to use in pregnant women with severe psoriasis" (3).

Cosentyx and Breastfeeding

Cosentyx is excreted in human milk, and its effects on the breastfed infant are unknown. However, the manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women use Cosentyx only if the benefits outweigh the risks (4).

Alternatives to Cosentyx During Pregnancy

For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, alternative treatments may be considered. Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and non-biologic medications such as methotrexate may be used to manage symptoms of psoriasis during pregnancy.

Conclusion

While there is limited research on the use of Cosentyx during pregnancy, available studies suggest that it may be safe to use in pregnant women with severe psoriasis. However, the FDA label warns of potential fetal harm, and expert opinions vary. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of Cosentyx and alternative treatments.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat inflammatory conditions.
* There is limited research on the use of Cosentyx during pregnancy.
* A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found no association between secukinumab and congenital anomalies.
* The FDA has not established a pregnancy category for Cosentyx, but it is listed as a category C medication.
* Expert opinions on the safety of Cosentyx during pregnancy vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Is Cosentyx safe to use during pregnancy?
A: While there is limited research, available studies suggest that Cosentyx may be safe to use in pregnant women with severe psoriasis. However, the FDA label warns of potential fetal harm.
2. Q: What are the risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy?
A: The risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy are unknown, but the FDA label warns of potential fetal harm.
3. Q: Can I breastfeed while taking Cosentyx?
A: Cosentyx is excreted in human milk, and its effects on the breastfed infant are unknown. However, the manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women use Cosentyx only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
4. Q: What are alternative treatments for psoriasis during pregnancy?
A: Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and non-biologic medications such as methotrexate may be used to manage symptoms of psoriasis during pregnancy.
5. Q: Should I stop taking Cosentyx if I become pregnant?
A: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of Cosentyx and alternative treatments.

References

1. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases. Secukinumab in pregnant women with psoriasis: a case series. (2019)
2. FDA Labeling: Cosentyx (secukinumab). (2022)
3. Dr. Mark Lebwohl, Dermatology Times. Secukinumab in pregnancy: a review of the literature. (2020)
4. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. (2022)
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) patent expiration. (2022)

Cited Sources

1. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: Practical Reports on Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases. Secukinumab in pregnant women with psoriasis: a case series. (2019)
2. FDA Labeling: Cosentyx (secukinumab). (2022)
3. Dr. Mark Lebwohl, Dermatology Times. Secukinumab in pregnancy: a review of the literature. (2020)
4. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. (2022)
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) patent expiration. (2022)