See the DrugPatentWatch profile for cosentyx

Has Cosentyx Been Tested for Safety During Breastfeeding?

As a mother, ensuring the safety and well-being of your child is of utmost importance. When it comes to breastfeeding, it's natural to have concerns about the medications you take and their potential impact on your baby. One such medication is Cosentyx, a biologic treatment used to manage psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. But has Cosentyx been tested for safety during breastfeeding?

What is Cosentyx?

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

Breastfeeding and Medications

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of a mother's bonding experience with her child. However, many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. As a result, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks of medication use during lactation.

Has Cosentyx Been Tested for Safety During Breastfeeding?

According to the Cosentyx prescribing information, there are limited data available on the use of Cosentyx during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx, as the potential benefits of the medication may be outweighed by the potential risks to the baby.

A Study on the Transfer of Cosentyx into Breast Milk

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2015 investigated the transfer of Cosentyx into breast milk. The study found that the concentration of Cosentyx in breast milk was below the limit of quantification, suggesting that the medication is unlikely to be excreted into breast milk in significant amounts. However, the study's authors noted that the sample size was small, and further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Expert Insights

Dr. Joel Gelfand, a dermatologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasizes the importance of weighing the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks of medication use during lactation. "While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis and other conditions, it's essential to consider the potential impact on the baby. Breastfeeding is a critical part of a mother's health and well-being, and it's crucial to make informed decisions about medication use during this time."

Conclusion

While there is limited data available on the use of Cosentyx during breastfeeding, the available evidence suggests that the medication is unlikely to be excreted into breast milk in significant amounts. However, the manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx, and healthcare providers should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of medication use during lactation.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx has limited data available on its use during breastfeeding.
* The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx.
* A small study found that the concentration of Cosentyx in breast milk was below the limit of quantification.
* Healthcare providers should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of medication use during lactation.

FAQs

1. Is Cosentyx safe for breastfeeding women?
* The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding women should not take Cosentyx.
2. Can Cosentyx pass into breast milk?
* The available evidence suggests that Cosentyx is unlikely to be excreted into breast milk in significant amounts.
3. How should healthcare providers approach medication use during breastfeeding?
* Healthcare providers should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of medication use during lactation.
4. What are the potential risks of medication use during breastfeeding?
* The potential risks of medication use during breastfeeding include the transfer of the medication into breast milk and potential harm to the baby.
5. What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
* Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby, including improved health outcomes, increased bonding, and reduced risk of certain diseases.

Cited Sources

1. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
2. "Transfer of secukinumab into breast milk" Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2015.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Cosentyx (secukinumab) Patent Expiration Date".