What are the risks of live vaccines during cosentyx use?

Can I still use live vaccines while on Cosentyx?

Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat various inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis [1]. As with any immunosuppressive therapy, there are concerns about interactions with live vaccines. Live vaccines, also known as attenuated vaccines, contain a weakened or mild form of the virus or bacteria, which helps build immunity in the recipient.

How do immunosuppressive medications affect live vaccines?

Immunosuppressive medications like Cosentyx weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infections. When you're on Cosentyx, your body's immune response is suppressed, making it harder for your body to fight off the live vaccine virus or bacteria [2]. This can lead to severe side effects, including:

1. Increased risk of vaccine-related infections: Live vaccines can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.
2. Reduced vaccine efficacy: The weakened immune response can lead to reduced vaccine effectiveness.
3. Severe vaccine-related illnesses: In rare cases, live vaccines can cause severe illnesses, such as polio or measles, in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Which live vaccines should I avoid while using Cosentyx?

According to the Cosentyx prescribing information, live vaccines, such as:

1. Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV)
2. Mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
3. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
4. Zoster (shingles) vaccine
5. Rotavirus vaccine

should be avoided in individuals on Cosentyx [3].

When can I receive live vaccines after stopping Cosentyx?

It's essential to wait until your immune system has recovered before receiving live vaccines. The recommended waiting period varies depending on the type of vaccine and the duration of Cosentyx treatment. As a general guideline, you should wait at least 4-6 weeks after stopping Cosentyx before receiving live vaccines [4].

What alternative vaccines are available?

If you're on Cosentyx, you can opt for alternative, non-live vaccines, such as:

1. Inactivated vaccines: These vaccines contain a killed or inactivated virus or bacteria and are recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems.
2. Subunit vaccines: These vaccines contain only specific components of the virus or bacteria and are designed to stimulate a specific immune response.

Sources:

[1] Cosentyx prescribing information. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/124111/download

[2] Immunosuppression and Live vaccines. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6102a1.htm

[3] Cosentyx package insert. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/761071s021lbl.pdf

[4] Immunosuppression and Vaccination. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hbimicrobial/vaccines.htm