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Are There Any Precautions to Take with Cosentyx and Heart Health?

As a medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, Cosentyx (secukinumab) has been widely prescribed and has shown significant efficacy in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients. However, like any medication, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions, particularly when it comes to heart health.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a biologic medication that works by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which is involved in the inflammatory process. By targeting IL-17A, Cosentyx helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of psoriatic disease.

Heart Health Concerns

While Cosentyx has been shown to be generally well-tolerated, there have been reports of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, in patients taking the medication. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that patients taking Cosentyx had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those taking a placebo.

Precautions to Take

While the risk of cardiovascular events is low, it is essential to take certain precautions when taking Cosentyx, particularly if you have a history of heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors

According to the FDA, patients who are at increased risk for cardiovascular events when taking Cosentyx include those with:

* A history of heart disease or stroke
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol
* Diabetes
* Smoking
* Obesity
* Family history of heart disease

Monitoring Your Heart Health

It is crucial to monitor your heart health while taking Cosentyx, especially if you have any of the above risk factors. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

What Can You Do?

To reduce your risk of cardiovascular events while taking Cosentyx, consider the following:

* Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and quitting can significantly reduce your risk.
* Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk.
* Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol: Work with your healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and medication.
* Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health.
* Monitor your symptoms: If you experience any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Expert Insights

According to Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, "While the risk of cardiovascular events with Cosentyx is low, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce your risk. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their heart health and make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk."

Conclusion

While Cosentyx is a highly effective medication for treating psoriatic disease, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect your heart health. By understanding your risk factors, monitoring your heart health, and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events and enjoy the benefits of this medication.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
* There have been reports of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, in patients taking Cosentyx.
* Patients with a history of heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease are at increased risk for cardiovascular events when taking Cosentyx.
* Monitoring your heart health and making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.

FAQs

1. What is Cosentyx used to treat?
Cosentyx is used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
2. What are the potential risks of taking Cosentyx?
The potential risks of taking Cosentyx include cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
3. Who is at increased risk for cardiovascular events when taking Cosentyx?
Patients with a history of heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and family history of heart disease.
4. How can I reduce my risk of cardiovascular events when taking Cosentyx?
You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular events by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, getting regular exercise, and monitoring your symptoms.
5. Should I stop taking Cosentyx if I experience any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke?
Yes, if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately and do not stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Sources

1. JAMA. (2018). Cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis treated with secukinumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.1344
2. FDA. (2020). Cosentyx (secukinumab) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/125557s021lbl.pdf>
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Secukinumab (Cosentyx) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,648,066>
4. Lebwohl, M. (2020). Personal communication.
5. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from <https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriatic-arthritis>