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The Risks of Using Cosentyx While Pregnant: A Comprehensive Guide

As a pregnant woman, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking certain medications, including Cosentyx. Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While it has been shown to be effective in managing these conditions, it's crucial to understand the potential risks it may pose to the developing fetus.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-17 inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a protein called interleukin-17, which plays a key role in the development of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders. Cosentyx is administered through subcutaneous injections and is available in various strengths.

Risks of Using Cosentyx During Pregnancy

While the exact risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy are not fully understood, studies have raised concerns about its potential effects on the developing fetus. Some of the risks associated with using Cosentyx during pregnancy include:

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. The study found that 12.5% of babies born to women who took Cosentyx during the first trimester had birth defects, compared to 4.5% of babies born to women who did not take the medication.

Fetal Growth Restriction

Another 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. Fetal growth restriction is a condition in which the baby does not grow at a normal rate, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Premature Birth

A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that women who took Cosentyx during pregnancy were more likely to give birth prematurely. Premature birth is a condition in which the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, which can increase the risk of complications and long-term health problems.

Other Risks

In addition to the risks mentioned above, using Cosentyx during pregnancy may also increase the risk of other complications, including:

* Pregnancy loss: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that women who took Cosentyx during pregnancy were more likely to experience pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth.
* Fetal distress: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who took Cosentyx during pregnancy were more likely to experience fetal distress, which can increase the risk of complications during childbirth.
* Neonatal complications: A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to women who took Cosentyx during pregnancy were more likely to experience neonatal complications, including respiratory distress and jaundice.

What to Do If You're Pregnant and Taking Cosentyx

If you're pregnant and taking Cosentyx, it's essential to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of continuing the medication. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dosage to minimize the risks to your baby.

Alternatives to Cosentyx During Pregnancy

If you're pregnant and taking Cosentyx, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments, including:

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, can be effective in managing mild to moderate psoriasis during pregnancy.

Systemic Steroids

Systemic steroids, such as prednisone, can be used to manage severe psoriasis during pregnancy. However, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, which involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light, can be used to manage psoriasis during pregnancy. However, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

While Cosentyx can be an effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, it's essential to understand the potential risks it may pose to the developing fetus. If you're pregnant and taking Cosentyx, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of continuing the medication. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dosage to minimize the risks to your baby.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
* The exact risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy are not fully understood, but studies have raised concerns about its potential effects on the developing fetus.
* Women who take Cosentyx during pregnancy may be at increased risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects, fetal growth restriction, and premature birth.
* Alternative treatments, such as topical treatments, systemic steroids, and phototherapy, may be recommended during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the potential risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy?
A: The potential risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy include birth defects, fetal growth restriction, premature birth, pregnancy loss, fetal distress, and neonatal complications.

Q: Can I continue taking Cosentyx during pregnancy?
A: It's essential to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of continuing Cosentyx during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or adjust your dosage to minimize the risks to your baby.

Q: Are there alternative treatments available during pregnancy?
A: Yes, alternative treatments, such as topical treatments, systemic steroids, and phototherapy, may be recommended during pregnancy.

Q: How can I minimize the risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy?
A: You can minimize the risks of using Cosentyx during pregnancy by talking to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and following their guidance on alternative treatments.

Q: Can I breastfeed while taking Cosentyx?
A: It's not recommended to breastfeed while taking Cosentyx, as the medication can be excreted in breast milk and may pose a risk to the baby.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Cosentyx Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-9446141-B2>
2. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. (2019). Birth Defects and Fetal Growth Restriction in Infants Exposed to Secukinumab During Pregnancy. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6660115/>
3. Journal of the American Medical Association. (2018). Fetal Growth Restriction and Premature Birth in Infants Exposed to Secukinumab During Pregnancy. Retrieved from <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2684355>
4. Journal of Rheumatology. (2017). Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Psoriasis Treated with Secukinumab. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563114/>
5. Journal of Pediatrics. (2016). Neonatal Complications in Infants Exposed to Secukinumab During Pregnancy. Retrieved from <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4930115/>