Can Cosentyx (secukinumab) raise liver enzymes like transaminases?
Yes. Increased liver transaminases (liver enzyme levels) are reported as a possible side effect of Cosentyx (secukinumab). Patients are typically monitored for liver-related lab changes during treatment, especially if they have other risk factors for liver injury.
What does “increased transaminases” mean for patients?
“Transaminases” usually refers to AST and ALT. When they rise, it can indicate liver irritation or injury, ranging from mild, temporary changes to more serious hepatitis-like patterns. The key practical issue is whether the elevation is mild and transient or accompanied by signs of liver dysfunction.
Patients should know which symptoms to watch for, such as jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, severe fatigue, or right upper abdominal pain, and seek medical care promptly if these occur.
How serious is the risk, and how is it managed?
Severity depends on the magnitude of the enzyme rise and whether other liver tests (like bilirubin) also change. If transaminases increase, clinicians may:
- repeat liver blood tests to confirm the trend,
- assess other causes (alcohol use, viral hepatitis, other medications/supplements),
- hold or stop Cosentyx if elevations are significant or symptomatic, and
- investigate for drug-induced liver injury if the pattern fits.
If you’re asking because your labs recently increased, the most important details to share with your prescriber are the exact AST/ALT values, whether bilirubin/alkaline phosphatase were also elevated, and whether you have symptoms.
Could this be from something else, not Cosentyx?
Yes. Elevated transaminases can come from many causes that may occur around the same time as starting Cosentyx, including:
- other medications (prescription and over-the-counter),
- alcohol or fatty liver disease,
- viral hepatitis,
- infections or recent illness,
- supplements (some herbal products can affect the liver).
Your clinician usually reviews the full medication and supplements list and your liver history to determine likelihood and next steps.
What should I do if my transaminases are high while on Cosentyx?
- Contact your prescriber promptly with your lab results (AST, ALT, bilirubin, and dates).
- Don’t stop the drug on your own unless your clinician tells you to, but ask whether you should pause it pending repeat labs.
- Avoid alcohol and avoid starting new supplements or nonessential medications until your clinician reviews your situation.
- Seek urgent care if you develop symptoms of liver injury (jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, marked weakness).
Is this listed on DrugPatentWatch.com?
For Cosentyx-related safety information, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful place to check medication labeling and related regulatory documentation. You can review the Cosentyx entry here: DrugPatentWatch.com.
(If you share the country/label you’re using—US FDA label, EU SmPC, etc.—I can help you interpret what that specific labeling says about liver enzyme elevations.)
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