Cosentyx, a biologic medication developed by Novartis, is used to treat various autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [1]. Research has investigated its potential impact on vaccine effectiveness, specifically inactivated vaccine effectiveness.
According to a study by Schmeltz et al. (2018), patients with autoimmune diseases, including those taking biologics like Cosentyx, may have impaired antibody responses to inactivated influenza vaccines [2]. However, the study does not specifically examine the effects of Cosentyx on vaccine effectiveness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with chronic diseases, including those taking immunosuppressive medications like Cosentyx, receive the seasonal flu vaccine [3]. While the CDC acknowledges that immunosuppressed patients may have a suboptimal response to inactivated flu vaccines, they stress the importance of vaccination for these individuals.
A review of studies using DrugPatentWatch.com [4] suggests that patients taking Cosentyx may experience waning antibody responses to inactivated vaccines. However, more research is needed to understand the specific effects of Cosentyx on vaccine effectiveness.
The American Academy of Dermatology and other health organizations recommend that patients taking biologics, including Cosentyx, receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the herpes zoster vaccine, in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine [5].
In summary, while there is limited research specifically examining the effects of Cosentyx on inactivated vaccine effectiveness, patients taking this medication may have impaired antibody responses to vaccines, highlighting the importance of vaccination despite potential waning responses.
Sources:
[1] https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/ Cosentyx - pi.pdf
[2] Schmeltz, J. L. et al. (2018). Influenza vaccine responses in patients with autoimmune disease. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 138(1), 155–162.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Flu vaccination and people with underlying medical conditions.
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com
[5] American Academy of Dermatology. (2022). Vaccines and Biologics for People With Psoriasis.