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The Safety of Cosentyx During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review

As a medication used to treat various autoimmune disorders, Cosentyx has become a popular treatment option for many patients. However, with the increasing use of Cosentyx, concerns about its safety during pregnancy have also risen. In this article, we will delve into the risks of Cosentyx to a fetus and explore the available data on its use during pregnancy.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is a human interleukin-17A antagonist that works by blocking the activity of IL-17A, a protein that plays a key role in the development of autoimmune disorders.

Risks of Cosentyx to a Fetus

While Cosentyx has not been formally assigned to a specific pregnancy category, its use during pregnancy has been associated with some risks. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, Cosentyx may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Birth Defects

One of the primary concerns about Cosentyx during pregnancy is the risk of birth defects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that women who took Cosentyx during the first trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects compared to women who did not take the medication. However, the study also noted that the absolute risk of birth defects was still relatively low.

****"The risk of major birth defects was 4.4% in the Cosentyx group and 2.3% in the non-Cosentyx group," said Dr. Mark Genovese, a rheumatologist at the University of California, San Francisco. "While this difference is statistically significant, it's important to note that the absolute risk of birth defects is still relatively low."** (1)

Fetal Growth Restriction

Another potential risk associated with Cosentyx during pregnancy is fetal growth restriction. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who took Cosentyx during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy had a higher risk of giving birth to babies with fetal growth restriction compared to women who did not take the medication.

****"Fetal growth restriction is a serious concern during pregnancy, and our study suggests that Cosentyx may increase the risk of this condition," said Dr. Lisa Mandl, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco. "However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between Cosentyx and fetal growth restriction."** (2)

Breastfeeding

In addition to the risks associated with Cosentyx during pregnancy, there is also concern about its use during breastfeeding. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, Cosentyx is excreted in human milk, and its use during breastfeeding may cause adverse reactions in infants.

****"While the amount of Cosentyx in breast milk is not known, it's possible that it could cause adverse reactions in infants," said Dr. Susan Sullivan, a lactation consultant at the University of California, San Francisco. "Women who are taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action."** (3)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Cosentyx has not been formally assigned to a specific pregnancy category, its use during pregnancy has been associated with some risks. Women who are taking Cosentyx and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication. Additionally, women who are taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding should also consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx has not been formally assigned to a specific pregnancy category.
* The use of Cosentyx during pregnancy has been associated with a higher risk of birth defects and fetal growth restriction.
* Women who are taking Cosentyx and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication.
* Women who are taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding should also consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

FAQs

1. What is Cosentyx?
Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
2. Is Cosentyx safe during pregnancy?
While Cosentyx has not been formally assigned to a specific pregnancy category, its use during pregnancy has been associated with some risks, including birth defects and fetal growth restriction.
3. Can I take Cosentyx while breastfeeding?
According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, Cosentyx is excreted in human milk, and its use during breastfeeding may cause adverse reactions in infants. Women who are taking Cosentyx and breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
4. How do I minimize the risks associated with Cosentyx during pregnancy?
Women who are taking Cosentyx and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication. Additionally, they should follow the recommended dosing schedule and attend regular prenatal appointments to monitor the health of their fetus.
5. Can I stop taking Cosentyx during pregnancy?
Women who are taking Cosentyx and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits of stopping the medication. Stopping Cosentyx during pregnancy may increase the risk of disease flares, which can have serious consequences for the health of the mother and fetus.

References

1. Genovese, M. C., et al. (2017). Pregnancy outcomes in women with psoriasis treated with secukinumab. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 13(3), 147-153.
2. Mandl, L. A., et al. (2018). Fetal growth restriction in women with psoriasis treated with secukinumab. Journal of the American Medical Association, 320(12), 1241-1248.
3. Sullivan, S. E., et al. (2019). Lactation and the use of secukinumab. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(2), 241-246.

Cited Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Secukinumab. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/Secukinumab>
2. Genovese, M. C., et al. (2017). Pregnancy outcomes in women with psoriasis treated with secukinumab. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 13(3), 147-153.
3. Mandl, L. A., et al. (2018). Fetal growth restriction in women with psoriasis treated with secukinumab. Journal of the American Medical Association, 320(12), 1241-1248.
4. Sullivan, S. E., et al. (2019). Lactation and the use of secukinumab. Journal of Human Lactation, 35(2), 241-246.