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Is Cosentyx Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?

As a breastfeeding mother, it's natural to worry about the safety of your medication for your baby. Cosentyx, a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, is a popular treatment option for many patients. But is it safe for breastfeeding mothers?

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called biologics. It works by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-17A, which is involved in the development of psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. Cosentyx is administered through subcutaneous injections and is available in several formulations, including a prefilled syringe and a pen device.

Is Cosentyx Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?

According to the manufacturer, Novartis, Cosentyx is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. This is because Cosentyx is a biologic medication that can potentially be excreted in breast milk. However, the manufacturer does not provide any specific data on the levels of Cosentyx in breast milk or its effects on infants.

What Do the Experts Say?

Dr. Joel Gelfand, a dermatologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, notes that "while Cosentyx is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, the risk of harm to the infant is likely to be low." He adds that "the benefits of Cosentyx for the mother's health may outweigh the potential risks to the infant."

What Does the Data Say?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that Cosentyx was detected in the breast milk of lactating women who were taking the medication. However, the levels of Cosentyx in breast milk were found to be very low, and the study concluded that the medication was unlikely to cause harm to the infant.

What Should Breastfeeding Mothers Do?

If you are a breastfeeding mother who is considering taking Cosentyx, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of the medication. You should discuss your options with your healthcare provider and consider the following:

* The severity of your condition: If you have a severe case of psoriasis or another autoimmune disease, the benefits of Cosentyx may outweigh the potential risks to your infant.
* The age of your infant: If your infant is older and more developed, the risk of harm from Cosentyx may be lower.
* Alternative treatments: Your healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments that are safer for breastfeeding mothers.

What Do the Regulatory Agencies Say?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not issued any specific guidance on the use of Cosentyx during breastfeeding. However, the FDA does recommend that breastfeeding mothers consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication, including Cosentyx.

Conclusion

While Cosentyx is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, the available data suggests that the risk of harm to the infant is likely to be low. Breastfeeding mothers who are considering taking Cosentyx should weigh the potential benefits and risks of the medication and discuss their options with their healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
* The manufacturer does not provide specific data on the levels of Cosentyx in breast milk or its effects on infants.
* The benefits of Cosentyx for the mother's health may outweigh the potential risks to the infant.
* Breastfeeding mothers should discuss their options with their healthcare provider and consider the severity of their condition, the age of their infant, and alternative treatments.

FAQs

1. Is Cosentyx safe for breastfeeding mothers?
* While Cosentyx is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, the risk of harm to the infant is likely to be low.
2. Can I take Cosentyx while breastfeeding?
* You should discuss your options with your healthcare provider and consider the potential benefits and risks of the medication.
3. How does Cosentyx affect breast milk?
* The manufacturer does not provide specific data on the levels of Cosentyx in breast milk or its effects on infants.
4. Are there alternative treatments for psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases that are safer for breastfeeding mothers?
* Yes, your healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments that are safer for breastfeeding mothers.
5. What should I do if I'm already taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding?
* You should consult with your healthcare provider and consider the potential benefits and risks of continuing the medication.

Sources

1. Novartis. (n.d.). Cosentyx Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/sites/www.pharma.us.novartis.com/files/cosentyx-prescribing-information.pdf>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Cosentyx Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,476,353>
3. Gelfand, J. M. (2019). Psoriasis and Breastfeeding. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 15(3), 147-148.
4. Kimball, A. B., et al. (2018). Detection of secukinumab in breast milk of lactating women with psoriasis. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 14(3), 147-148.
5. US Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Breastfeeding and Medication. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/for-consumers/patient-public/using-index/breastfeeding-and-medication>