Is there a waiting period between Cosentyx and a flu shot?
No specific waiting period is required between Cosentyx (secukinumab) injections and receiving a flu shot. Cosentyx suppresses parts of the immune system, which can weaken vaccine response, but guidelines from the manufacturer and health authorities like the CDC recommend proceeding with inactivated vaccines like the flu shot without delay.[1][2]
Standard advice: Get vaccinated before starting Cosentyx if possible, or anytime during treatment. Live vaccines (not the flu shot) should be avoided while on Cosentyx.[1]
How effective is the flu shot on Cosentyx?
Response to inactivated vaccines may be reduced due to immunosuppression. Studies show patients on biologics like Cosentyx produce fewer antibodies after flu vaccination compared to healthy people, but vaccination still offers some protection and is advised annually.[3][4]
What about other vaccines while taking Cosentyx?
- Inactivated or recombinant vaccines (flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles): Safe anytime; no hold period.
- Live vaccines (e.g., nasal flu spray, MMR, varicella): Avoid during treatment and for 4-6 weeks after stopping Cosentyx.[1][2]
Consult your doctor for timing, especially if high-risk.
Why the concern with biologics like Cosentyx?
Cosentyx targets IL-17, increasing infection risk and blunting immune responses to vaccines. Real-world data from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients confirm lower flu vaccine efficacy, but benefits outweigh risks for most.[4]
Cosentyx patent and availability details
Cosentyx is under Novartis patents expiring in the US around 2032-2034 for key formulations; no generics yet. Check DrugPatentWatch.com for updates on challenges or biosimilars.[5]
[1] Cosentyx Prescribing Information, Novartis, 2023. https://www.cosentyx.com
[2] CDC Vaccine Guidelines for Immunocompromised Adults, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/immunocomp.html
[3] Rheumatology journal study on secukinumab vaccine response, 2021. https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/60/5/2345
[4] Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, biologics and flu vaccine efficacy, 2022. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(22)00123-4
[5] DrugPatentWatch.com, Cosentyx patents. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/COSENTYX