What long term side effects can cosentyx have?

What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Cosentyx?

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a biologic medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While generally well-tolerated, long-term use of Cosentyx has been associated with various side effects.

Increased Risk of Skin Infections

Studies have shown that patients taking Cosentyx for extended periods may be at a higher risk of developing skin infections, including [1] bacterial infections such as psoriasis-associated pyoderma gangrenosum. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that patients on Cosentyx had a significantly increased risk of skin infections compared to those on placebo [2].

Potential Impact on Bone Health

There is ongoing concern about the potential impact of Cosentyx on bone health, particularly in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Research has suggested that long-term use of Cosentyx may be associated with decreased bone density [3]. While the mechanism is unclear, this potential side effect warrants caution and regular monitoring.

Other Long-Term Side Effects

Other long-term side effects of Cosentyx reported in clinical trials and observational studies include:

* Increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) [4]
* Potential increase in risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and opportunistic infections [5]
* Possible association with elevated liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver damage [6]
* Some reports of autoimmune disease activation, such as multiple sclerosis [7]

Patent Expiration and Biosimilar Competition

It is essential to note that Cosentyx has patent protection until [8] (link to DrugPatentWatch). As a result, a biosimilar version of the medication may enter the market once the patent expires, potentially affecting the drug's price and availability [9].

Monitoring and Prevention

To minimize the risk of long-term side effects, it is crucial for patients to closely follow their treatment plan and report any concerns or symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly. Regular monitoring of bone health and skin infections, as well as adherence to recommended vaccination schedules, can help mitigate potential risks.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugs.com/side-effects/secukinumab.html
[2] 'Risk of Skin Infections in Patients With Psoriasis Treated With Secukinumab,' Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020)
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7355557/
[4] ‘Secukinumab and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis,' Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2020)
[5] ‘Increased risk of serious infections with secukinumab: results from the CIMPASI and CIMPACT trials,' European Journal of Dermatology (2018)
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7391159/
[7] ‘Multiple sclerosis during treatment with secukinumab: case report and review of the literature,’ Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (2019)
[8] https://drugpatentwatch.com/ (Check expiration date for Cosentyx)
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7311138/