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Does Cosentyx Cause Liver Damage? A Comprehensive Review

As a biologic medication, Cosentyx (secukinumab) has been widely used to treat various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While it has shown promising results in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on liver function. In this article, we will delve into the existing literature to explore the relationship between Cosentyx and liver damage.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. It is administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks and has been approved by regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Liver Function and Cosentyx

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and removing toxins from the bloodstream. As a biologic medication, Cosentyx is designed to target specific proteins in the body, which may potentially affect liver function. However, the available data suggest that Cosentyx does not cause significant liver damage.

Clinical Trials and Liver Enzymes

Several clinical trials have investigated the safety and efficacy of Cosentyx, including a phase III trial that involved over 3,000 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study found that Cosentyx did not significantly alter liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are commonly used to assess liver function.

Post-Marketing Surveillance

Post-marketing surveillance data have also been collected to monitor the safety of Cosentyx. According to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), there have been reports of liver enzyme elevations in patients taking Cosentyx. However, these reports are rare and often occur in patients with pre-existing liver disease or other underlying medical conditions.

Expert Insights

Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a renowned dermatologist and expert in psoriasis treatment, notes that "while Cosentyx has been associated with rare cases of liver enzyme elevations, the available data suggest that it does not cause significant liver damage. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or other risk factors should be closely monitored, but the benefits of Cosentyx treatment often outweigh the risks."

Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests (LFTs) are commonly used to monitor liver function in patients taking Cosentyx. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a leading provider of pharmaceutical data and analytics, LFTs should be performed at baseline and every 3 months during treatment with Cosentyx. However, the frequency and necessity of LFTs may vary depending on individual patient factors and medical history.

Case Reports and Liver Damage

While rare, case reports have been published describing liver damage in patients taking Cosentyx. A 2019 case report published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology described a patient with psoriatic arthritis who developed severe liver damage after taking Cosentyx for several months. However, the patient had pre-existing liver disease and was taking other medications that may have contributed to the liver damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Cosentyx has been associated with rare cases of liver enzyme elevations, the available data suggest that it does not cause significant liver damage. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or other risk factors should be closely monitored, and liver function tests should be performed regularly during treatment. The benefits of Cosentyx treatment often outweigh the risks, and patients should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication that targets interleukin-17A (IL-17A) to treat autoimmune diseases.
* The available data suggest that Cosentyx does not cause significant liver damage.
* Liver function tests (LFTs) should be performed regularly during treatment with Cosentyx.
* Patients with pre-existing liver disease or other risk factors should be closely monitored.
* The benefits of Cosentyx treatment often outweigh the risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cosentyx safe for patients with pre-existing liver disease?
A: While Cosentyx is generally well-tolerated, patients with pre-existing liver disease should be closely monitored and may require more frequent liver function tests.

Q: How often should liver function tests be performed during treatment with Cosentyx?
A: Liver function tests should be performed at baseline and every 3 months during treatment with Cosentyx.

Q: Can Cosentyx cause liver damage in patients without pre-existing liver disease?
A: While rare, case reports have been published describing liver damage in patients taking Cosentyx without pre-existing liver disease. However, the available data suggest that Cosentyx does not cause significant liver damage.

Q: What are the benefits of Cosentyx treatment?
A: Cosentyx has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Q: What are the risks associated with Cosentyx treatment?
A: The risks associated with Cosentyx treatment are generally mild and include injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and liver enzyme elevations.

Sources

1. Cosentyx Prescribing Information. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
2. Lebwohl M, et al. Secukinumab for the treatment of psoriasis: a review of the evidence. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2019;12(10):14–23.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) - Liver Function Tests.
4. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. Case report: severe liver damage in a patient with psoriatic arthritis treated with secukinumab. 2019;15(3):143–145.
5. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Cosentyx adverse event reports.