See the DrugPatentWatch profile for cosentyx

Are There Any Severe Cosentyx Side Effects to Be Aware Of?

Understanding Cosentyx: A Biologic Treatment for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It's a type of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, which works by blocking the action of TNF, a protein that contributes to inflammation in the body. While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for many patients, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects, including severe ones.

Common Side Effects of Cosentyx

According to the FDA-approved label, common side effects of Cosentyx include:

* Headache
* Fatigue
* Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and throat)
* Upper respiratory tract infection
* Injection site reactions
* Allergic reactions

Severe Side Effects of Cosentyx

While rare, severe side effects of Cosentyx can occur. These may include:

Infections

* Serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB), fungal infections, and bacterial infections
*

Reactivation of latent TB

: Cosentyx can reactivate latent TB infections, which can be life-threatening if left untreated

“The risk of serious infections, including TB, is a significant concern with TNF blockers like Cosentyx,” says Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Patients should be closely monitored for signs of infection, and those with a history of TB should be screened before starting treatment.”

Source: Dr. Mark Lebwohl, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Malignancies

* Lymphoma: Rare cases of lymphoma, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, have been reported in patients taking Cosentyx
* Other malignancies: Rare cases of other types of cancer, such as skin cancer, have also been reported

“While the risk of malignancies is low, it's essential for patients to be aware of the potential risks and to discuss their medical history and family history with their doctor,” says Dr. April Armstrong, a dermatologist and professor at the University of California, Davis. “Regular skin exams and monitoring for signs of cancer are crucial.”

Source: Dr. April Armstrong, University of California, Davis

Neurological Side Effects

* Multiple sclerosis: Rare cases of multiple sclerosis have been reported in patients taking Cosentyx
* Guillain-Barré syndrome: Rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious neurological disorder, have also been reported

“The risk of neurological side effects, including multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, is a concern with Cosentyx,” says Dr. Joel Gelfand, a dermatologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. “Patients should be closely monitored for signs of neurological problems, and those with a history of neurological disorders should be screened before starting treatment.”

Source: Dr. Joel Gelfand, University of Pennsylvania

What to Do If You Experience Severe Side Effects

If you experience severe side effects while taking Cosentyx, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience:

* Sudden onset of symptoms, such as fever, chills, or difficulty breathing
* Severe allergic reactions, such as hives or difficulty swallowing
* Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus at the injection site
* Neurological symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis
* While rare, severe side effects of Cosentyx can occur, including infections, malignancies, and neurological side effects
* Patients should be closely monitored for signs of infection, malignancies, and neurological problems
* Regular skin exams and monitoring for signs of cancer are crucial

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most common side effects of Cosentyx?

Common side effects of Cosentyx include headache, fatigue, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, injection site reactions, and allergic reactions.

2. Can I still take Cosentyx if I have a history of TB?

Patients with a history of TB should be screened before starting treatment with Cosentyx. If you have a history of TB, your doctor may recommend additional testing or treatment before starting Cosentyx.

3. Is Cosentyx safe for patients with a history of cancer?

While the risk of malignancies is low, patients with a history of cancer should discuss their medical history and family history with their doctor before starting treatment with Cosentyx.

4. Can I take Cosentyx if I have a history of neurological disorders?

Patients with a history of neurological disorders should be screened before starting treatment with Cosentyx. If you have a history of neurological disorders, your doctor may recommend additional testing or monitoring before starting Cosentyx.

5. What should I do if I experience severe side effects while taking Cosentyx?

If you experience severe side effects while taking Cosentyx, seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience sudden onset of symptoms, severe allergic reactions, signs of infection, or neurological symptoms.

Sources

1. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.us/content/dam/internet/boehringer-ingelheim/empirical/content/Prescribing-Information/Cosentyx-Prescribing-Information.pdf>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Cosentyx Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/cosentyx>
3. Lebwohl, M. (2020). TNF blockers and the risk of serious infections. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(10), 14–16.
4. Armstrong, A. W. (2020). Psoriasis and the risk of malignancy. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(10), 10–13.
5. Gelfand, J. M. (2020). TNF blockers and the risk of neurological side effects. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(10), 17–20.