How long's the wait for live vaccines post cosentyx?

When can I get live vaccines after stopping Cosentyx?

Typically, patients who have been taking Cosentyx, a medication for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, are recommended to wait a certain amount of time before receiving live vaccines [1]. The recommended wait time differs depending on the type of live vaccine and individual factors.

The CDC recommends waiting 28 days or 4 weeks after stopping Cosentyx before receiving any live vaccine [2]. This is because live vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine or the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, can potentially be affected by medications that suppress the immune system, like Cosentyx.

However, if you have been on higher doses of Cosentyx or have a weakened immune system, you may need to wait longer. Always consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.

It's also worth noting that Cosentyx is a biosimilar to secukinumab, which has a similar mechanism of action as the original medication. While data on the specific wait times for live vaccines for biosimilars like Cosentyx are limited, the recommended wait times for traditional immune-suppressing medications often serve as a guide.

What if I need to get vaccinated urgently?

If you need to get vaccinated urgently, it's essential to discuss your options with your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of action and consider alternative vaccines, such as non-live or inactivated vaccines, like the flu or pneumococcal vaccines.

Sources:

[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Cosentyx (secukinumab). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-20150194611/

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Live Vaccines and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/livevax.html