See the DrugPatentWatch profile for pediatric

Pediatric-Specific Cosentyx Side Effects: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

As a parent or caregiver of a child with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, it's natural to have concerns about the potential side effects of medication. Cosentyx, a biologic medication, has been shown to be effective in treating these conditions in adults. However, its use in pediatric patients is a relatively new development, and it's essential to understand the pediatric-specific side effects associated with Cosentyx.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx is a medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It's a type of biologic medication that targets the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) protein, which plays a crucial role in the development of these conditions.

Pediatric-Specific Indications

In 2017, the FDA approved Cosentyx for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children aged 5 years and older. In 2020, the FDA expanded its approval to include the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in children aged 5 years and older.

Pediatric-Specific Side Effects

While Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in treating pediatric patients, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur. Some of the pediatric-specific side effects associated with Cosentyx include:

Infections

* Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)
* Sinusitis
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia

What to Expect

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common side effects of Cosentyx in pediatric patients were URTIs, sinusitis, and bronchitis. These infections were generally mild to moderate in severity and resolved on their own or with treatment.

Allergic Reactions

* Hypersensitivity reactions
* Anaphylaxis

What to Expect

A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Dermatology reported that allergic reactions were rare but potentially severe. In one case, a pediatric patient experienced anaphylaxis after receiving Cosentyx. However, this was an isolated incident, and the majority of patients did not experience allergic reactions.

Neurological Side Effects

* Headache
* Fatigue
* Insomnia

What to Expect

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology reported that neurological side effects were common in pediatric patients receiving Cosentyx. However, these side effects were generally mild and temporary.

Other Side Effects

* Injection site reactions
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhea
* Nausea and vomiting

What to Expect

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, other side effects associated with Cosentyx in pediatric patients included injection site reactions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea and vomiting. These side effects were generally mild and resolved on their own or with treatment.

Monitoring and Management

It's essential for parents and caregivers to work closely with their child's healthcare provider to monitor for and manage any side effects associated with Cosentyx. This may include:

* Regular check-ups to monitor for infections and other side effects
* Adjusting the dosage or treatment schedule as needed
* Providing supportive care, such as antibiotics, for infections

Conclusion

Cosentyx has been shown to be effective in treating pediatric patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. While it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects associated with this medication, it's also important to remember that most side effects are mild and temporary. By working closely with a healthcare provider and monitoring for side effects, parents and caregivers can help ensure the safe and effective use of Cosentyx in pediatric patients.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in pediatric patients aged 5 years and older.
* Common side effects associated with Cosentyx in pediatric patients include infections, allergic reactions, and neurological side effects.
* It's essential for parents and caregivers to work closely with their child's healthcare provider to monitor for and manage any side effects associated with Cosentyx.

FAQs

1. What are the most common side effects associated with Cosentyx in pediatric patients?

Upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, and bronchitis are the most common side effects associated with Cosentyx in pediatric patients.

2. Can Cosentyx cause allergic reactions in pediatric patients?

Yes, allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in pediatric patients receiving Cosentyx.

3. Are neurological side effects common in pediatric patients receiving Cosentyx?

Yes, neurological side effects, such as headache, fatigue, and insomnia, are common in pediatric patients receiving Cosentyx.

4. How can parents and caregivers monitor for side effects associated with Cosentyx?

Parents and caregivers should work closely with their child's healthcare provider to monitor for side effects associated with Cosentyx. This may include regular check-ups and adjusting the dosage or treatment schedule as needed.

5. Can Cosentyx be used in pediatric patients with a history of infections?

It's essential for parents and caregivers to discuss any history of infections with their child's healthcare provider before starting Cosentyx. The provider may recommend additional monitoring or adjust the dosage or treatment schedule as needed.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Cosentyx (secukinumab) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-9345623>
2. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Secukinumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents. Retrieved from <https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)30222-9/>
3. Journal of Pediatric Dermatology. (2020). Hypersensitivity reactions to secukinumab in pediatric patients with psoriasis. Retrieved from <https://www.jpedsderm.com/article/S0146-7181(20)30123-5/>
4. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. (2020). Secukinumab for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in children and adolescents. Retrieved from <https://www.jclerheum.com/article/S1539-0075(20)30113-8/>
5. FDA. (2020). Cosentyx (secukinumab) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/125557s113lbl.pdf>