Can Cosentyx (secukinumab) cause urinary tract infections?
Cosentyx (secukinumab) affects interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling, which can change immune responses. In prescribing information, infections are noted as a risk with Cosentyx, and urinary tract infections can be reported as an infection type in real-world use and clinical experience. [1]
What should patients watch for if they’re on Cosentyx and develop UTI symptoms?
If you develop possible UTI symptoms while taking Cosentyx, treat them as clinically important and contact your clinician promptly. Typical symptoms include burning or pain with urination, frequent urination, urgency, lower abdominal discomfort, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine. Because Cosentyx can increase susceptibility to infections, clinicians may want to evaluate you sooner rather than waiting. [1]
Should Cosentyx be stopped if you get a UTI?
This depends on the severity of the infection. The Cosentyx label includes guidance that therapy should not be started or should be paused if you have an active serious infection, and infections should be monitored while on treatment. Whether a given UTI is considered mild vs. serious is a decision made with your prescriber based on symptoms, fever, kidney involvement, and how quickly you respond to treatment. [1]
How likely are UTIs compared with other infections?
The overall risk of infection is discussed in the safety information for Cosentyx, with infections being among the most common adverse events. Urinary tract infections are one potential infection category, but the label emphasizes infection risk broadly rather than giving a single “UTI-only” probability in isolation. [1]
What happens if the UTI becomes more severe (kidney infection/pyelonephritis)?
If UTI symptoms come with fever, chills, flank/back pain, persistent vomiting, or you feel significantly unwell, that can suggest a more serious infection such as kidney involvement. With Cosentyx, more serious infections are especially important to address quickly, and clinicians may decide to temporarily hold biologic therapy while treating the infection. [1]
Do other meds for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis affect UTI risk with Cosentyx?
Cosentyx may be used alone or with other treatments depending on the condition. Concomitant therapies and overall immune status can influence infection risk. If you’re also taking immunosuppressive drugs (for example, corticosteroids or other biologics), ask your clinician how that changes your infection risk and what to do if symptoms start. The Cosentyx safety information centers on infection risk with the drug and advises monitoring for infections. [1]
Practical next steps
If you suspect a UTI while taking Cosentyx:
- Contact your prescriber for advice on whether to continue and whether you need testing (urinalysis/urine culture). [1]
- Seek urgent care if you have fever, flank pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. [1]
Sources
- Cosentyx (secukinumab) Prescribing Information (FDA)