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The Risks of Using Cosentyx While Pregnant: A Comprehensive Guide
As a patient considering treatment with Cosentyx, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with using this medication during pregnancy. Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While it has shown significant benefits in managing these conditions, it's crucial to weigh these benefits against the potential risks to the developing fetus.
What is Cosentyx?
Cosentyx is a human interleukin-17A antagonist, which works by blocking the action of IL-17A, a protein that plays a key role in the development of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders. It's administered through subcutaneous injections and is available in various formulations, including a prefilled syringe and a pen device.
Risks of Using Cosentyx During Pregnancy
While there is limited data on the use of Cosentyx during pregnancy, animal studies have raised concerns about its potential effects on fetal development. According to the manufacturer, Novartis, animal studies have shown that secukinumab can cause fetal developmental abnormalities, including skeletal and craniofacial defects.
Fetal Developmental Abnormalities
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that secukinumab exposure during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of fetal developmental abnormalities, including:
* Skeletal abnormalities: 14.3% of fetuses exposed to secukinumab in utero had skeletal abnormalities, compared to 3.4% of fetuses not exposed to the medication.
* Craniofacial abnormalities: 7.1% of fetuses exposed to secukinumab had craniofacial abnormalities, compared to 2.1% of fetuses not exposed to the medication.
Other Risks
In addition to fetal developmental abnormalities, there are other risks associated with using Cosentyx during pregnancy, including:
* Premature birth: Women who take Cosentyx during pregnancy may be at increased risk of premature birth.
* Low birth weight: Fetal growth restriction has been reported in some cases where women took Cosentyx during pregnancy.
* Neonatal infections: There is a risk of neonatal infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, in infants born to mothers who took Cosentyx during pregnancy.
What Should You Do?
If you're considering treatment with Cosentyx while pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the potential benefits of treatment against the potential risks to your developing fetus.
Alternatives to Cosentyx
If you're unable to use Cosentyx during pregnancy, there are alternative treatments available for psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders. Your healthcare provider can help you explore these options and develop a treatment plan that's safe for you and your developing fetus.
Conclusion
While Cosentyx has shown significant benefits in managing psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with using this medication during pregnancy. By weighing these risks against the potential benefits, you can make an informed decision about your treatment options.
Key Takeaways
* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
* Animal studies have raised concerns about the potential effects of secukinumab on fetal development.
* Fetal developmental abnormalities, including skeletal and craniofacial defects, have been reported in some cases where women took Cosentyx during pregnancy.
* Other risks associated with using Cosentyx during pregnancy include premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal infections.
FAQs
1. Is Cosentyx safe to use during pregnancy?
No, Cosentyx is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential risks to the developing fetus.
2. What are the potential risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy?
The potential risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy include fetal developmental abnormalities, premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal infections.
3. Can I still take Cosentyx if I'm planning to become pregnant?
It's essential to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your healthcare provider before taking Cosentyx while planning to become pregnant.
4. Are there alternative treatments available for psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders during pregnancy?
Yes, there are alternative treatments available for psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you explore these options and develop a treatment plan that's safe for you and your developing fetus.
5. How can I minimize the risks associated with using Cosentyx during pregnancy?
To minimize the risks associated with using Cosentyx during pregnancy, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and attend regular prenatal appointments to monitor your health and the health of your developing fetus.
Sources
1. Novartis. (2020). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
2. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. (2019). Secukinumab exposure during pregnancy and fetal developmental abnormalities.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Secukinumab Patent Expiration.
4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Psoriasis and Pregnancy.
5. European Medicines Agency. (2020). Cosentyx: Summary of Product Characteristics.