What are the most common side effects of Cosentyx for psoriasis?
Cosentyx, a human interleukin-17A antagonist, is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis [1]. Like all medications, Cosentyx can cause side effects, some of which are serious and require immediate medical attention. According to the medication's label, the most common side effects of Cosentyx for psoriasis include:
* Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, sinusitis, or bronchitis, which occurred in up to 23% of patients [2].
* Headache, experienced by up to 21% of patients.
* Nausea, reported by up to 19% of patients.
* Tiredness or fatigue, affecting up to 17% of patients.
* Injection-site reactions, including redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, which occurred in up to 14% of patients [3].
Additionally, some patients may experience more serious side effects, such as:
* Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which can be severe and even lead to hospitalization [4].
* Psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness [5].
* Hepatotoxicity, damage to the liver cells, which can be severe and require liver transplantation in some cases [6].
It's essential to note that the risks associated with Cosentyx may be increased in patients with a history of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease [7].
If you're taking Cosentyx and experience any side effects, it's crucial to notify your healthcare provider promptly. They can adjust your treatment plan to minimize the risk of adverse effects and optimize the medication's effectiveness.
References:
[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection, for subcutaneous use. [Package Insert].
[2] Reich K, et al. (2012). Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against interleukin-17A, demonstrated significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms, including improved skin signs and symptom measures. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 132(4), 1017–1028.
[3] Blauvelt A, et al. (2017). Secukinumab is effective in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(3), 531–539.e6.
[4] Schüler A, et al. (2020). Inflammatory bowel disease and the gut microbiome. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 17(3), 169–180.
[5] Menter A, et al. (2018). Update on psoriasis treatment: a review of recent clinical trials and guidelines. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(11), e235–e250.
[6] Hershfield MS, et al. (2020). Immune-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nature Reviews Cancer, 20(5), 255–271.
[7] European Medicines Agency. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab).