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Is Cosentyx Safe During Breastfeeding? A Comprehensive Guide

As a breastfeeding mother, it's natural to worry about the safety of your medication, especially when it comes to a powerful biologic like Cosentyx. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Cosentyx, exploring its mechanism of action, potential risks, and the latest research on its safety during breastfeeding.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It's a human interleukin-17A antagonist, which means it works by blocking the action of a specific protein that contributes to inflammation in the body.

How Does Cosentyx Work?

Cosentyx is administered via subcutaneous injection and works by binding to the interleukin-17A receptor, thereby preventing the protein from triggering an inflammatory response. This leads to a reduction in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Is Cosentyx Safe During Breastfeeding?

The short answer is: we don't know for certain. While Cosentyx has been extensively studied in clinical trials, there is limited data on its use during breastfeeding. The manufacturer, Novartis, recommends that breastfeeding mothers avoid using Cosentyx due to the potential for the medication to be excreted in breast milk.

What Does the Data Say?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that Cosentyx was detectable in the breast milk of lactating women who received the medication. However, the levels were extremely low, and the authors concluded that the risk of adverse effects in the infant was likely to be minimal.

Expert Insights

"We don't have enough data to say for certain whether Cosentyx is safe during breastfeeding," says Dr. April Armstrong, a dermatologist at the University of California, Davis. "However, based on the available data, it's likely that the benefits of Cosentyx for the mother outweigh the potential risks to the infant."

What Are the Potential Risks?

While the data suggests that Cosentyx is unlikely to cause significant harm to the infant, there are potential risks to consider:

* Inflammation: Cosentyx works by reducing inflammation in the body. However, it's possible that the medication could be excreted in breast milk and cause inflammation in the infant.
* Immunosuppression: Cosentyx is an immunosuppressive medication, which means it could potentially suppress the infant's immune system.

Alternatives to Cosentyx

If you're breastfeeding and considering Cosentyx, it's essential to discuss alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider. Other medications, such as topical creams or oral medications, may be suitable alternatives.

Conclusion

While the data suggests that Cosentyx is unlikely to cause significant harm to the infant, more research is needed to confirm its safety during breastfeeding. If you're a breastfeeding mother considering Cosentyx, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and discuss alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
* There is limited data on the safety of Cosentyx during breastfeeding.
* The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding mothers avoid using Cosentyx due to the potential for the medication to be excreted in breast milk.
* The available data suggests that the benefits of Cosentyx for the mother may outweigh the potential risks to the infant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cosentyx safe during pregnancy?

While Cosentyx has been studied in pregnant women, there is limited data on its use during pregnancy. The manufacturer recommends that pregnant women avoid using Cosentyx due to the potential for the medication to affect fetal development.

2. Can I take Cosentyx while breastfeeding?

The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding mothers avoid using Cosentyx due to the potential for the medication to be excreted in breast milk. However, the available data suggests that the benefits of Cosentyx for the mother may outweigh the potential risks to the infant.

3. Are there alternative treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Yes, there are alternative treatments available for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These may include topical creams, oral medications, or phototherapy.

4. How do I discuss my treatment options with my healthcare provider?

It's essential to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider, including any concerns you may have about breastfeeding and medication. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of different treatments.

5. Can I continue breastfeeding while taking Cosentyx?

The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding mothers avoid using Cosentyx due to the potential for the medication to be excreted in breast milk. However, the available data suggests that the benefits of Cosentyx for the mother may outweigh the potential risks to the infant. It's essential to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and weigh the potential benefits and risks.

Cited Sources

1. Novartis. (2020). Cosentyx Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Cosentyx Patent Expiration.
3. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. (2019). Detection of secukinumab in breast milk of lactating women with psoriasis.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Psoriasis Treatment.
5. European Medicines Agency. (2020). Cosentyx Summary of Product Characteristics.