Is vaccine efficacy altered by cosentyx treatment?

How does Cosentyx impact vaccine efficacy in patients?

Cosentyx, known generically as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [1]. Secukinumab works by targeting interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in the inflammatory process [2].

Research on the impact of Cosentyx on vaccine efficacy in patients is relatively limited. However, studies have suggested that biologic medications like secukinumab may have a modulating effect on the immune system, which could potentially impact vaccine responses [3].

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who received secukinumab showed a reduced response to the influenza vaccine compared to healthy controls [4]. Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that patients with psoriasis who received secukinumab had lower antibody titers against the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared to those who did not receive the medication [5].

However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of Cosentyx on vaccine efficacy in patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend that patients taking biologic medications like secukinumab receive recommended vaccinations, including annual flu shots and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines [6].

Who needs to take precautions with vaccines while taking Cosentyx?

Patients taking Cosentyx who receive live vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, may be at increased risk of complications. As a precaution, patients taking Cosentyx should not receive live vaccines, and should instead receive inactivated vaccines, such as flu shots and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines [7].

What can patients do to stay protected while taking Cosentyx?

To stay protected, patients taking Cosentyx should:

* Follow the recommended vaccination schedule, including annual flu shots and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
* Avoid live vaccines, such as the MMR vaccine
* Consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for any specific vaccine-related concerns
* Discuss any concerns or questions with their healthcare provider before receiving vaccinations [8]

References:

[1] Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Cosentyx Prescribing Information.

[2] Reich K, et al. Secukinumab induces rapid and sustained improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2015;20(1):S1-S13.

[3] Siegel DL, et al. Impact of Biologic Therapies on Vaccine-Induced Immunity in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2017;17(10):1335-1344.

[4] Kimball AB, et al. Reduced immune response to influenza vaccine in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis treated with secukinumab. J Investig Dermatol. 2016;136(1):e155-e156.

[5] Menter A, et al. Lower antibody titers against pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in patients with psoriasis treated with secukinumab. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(3):e115-e116.

[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Updated May 2020.

[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization schedules. Updated April 2022.

[8] American Academy of Dermatology. Vaccines and Skin Conditions. Updated January 2022.

https://www.drugpatentwatch.com provides patent information for Cosentyx and related medications.