What side effects does Cosentyx (secukinumab) cause?
Cosentyx can cause side effects, and some are more common than others depending on the condition being treated. Commonly reported adverse effects include upper respiratory infections, headache, and reactions related to injection, such as redness or pain at the injection site [1].
What infections should patients watch for?
Because Cosentyx works on the immune system, it can increase susceptibility to certain infections. Patients are typically advised to watch for signs of infection (for example, fever or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection) and to contact their clinician if symptoms occur [1].
Can Cosentyx cause allergic reactions?
As with many biologic medicines, Cosentyx may cause hypersensitivity or allergic-type reactions in some people. Seek urgent medical care for symptoms consistent with a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or widespread rash [1].
Are there risks unique to Cosentyx’s mechanism?
Cosentyx targets interleukin-17A. Because of that pathway, it may be associated with fungal infections, particularly in patients prone to them. Clinicians monitor for these events when prescribing and during treatment [1].
What are patients likely to ask about at follow-ups?
People starting Cosentyx often ask about what symptoms require stopping treatment and when it’s safe to continue. In general, patients should report new or worsening infection symptoms promptly, and discuss any severe or persistent reactions with their prescribing clinician [1].
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/cosentyx.html