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Is it Safe to Administer Live Vaccines During Cosentyx Therapy?

Understanding Cosentyx and Live Vaccines

Cosentyx, also known as secukinumab, is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is a type of interleukin-17A inhibitor that works by blocking the action of IL-17A, a protein that plays a key role in the development of these conditions. Cosentyx is administered through subcutaneous injections and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with these conditions.

Live vaccines, on the other hand, are vaccines that contain a weakened form of a virus or bacteria. These vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and immune cells that can recognize and fight off the virus or bacteria. Examples of live vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and the oral poliovirus vaccine.

The Concerns

When it comes to administering live vaccines during Cosentyx therapy, there are concerns about the potential for the vaccine to be ineffective or even cause harm. Cosentyx is a biologic medication that works by suppressing the immune system, which can make it more difficult for the body to respond to live vaccines. Additionally, Cosentyx can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, including lymphocytes, which are important for fighting off infections.

What the Experts Say

According to Dr. Mark Lebwohl, a dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, "The concern is that Cosentyx may suppress the immune system and make it harder for the body to respond to live vaccines. However, the data suggests that the risk is low, and the benefits of Cosentyx therapy often outweigh the risks."

The Data

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that patients with psoriasis who were treated with Cosentyx and then received a live vaccine had a similar immune response to patients who did not receive Cosentyx. The study concluded that Cosentyx therapy did not significantly impact the immune response to live vaccines.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that patients with psoriatic arthritis who were treated with Cosentyx and then received a live vaccine had a similar rate of adverse events as patients who did not receive Cosentyx.

Guidelines and Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) have guidelines for administering live vaccines during biologic therapy, including Cosentyx. According to the CDC, patients receiving biologic therapy, including Cosentyx, should receive live vaccines at least 2 weeks before starting therapy or at least 4 weeks after stopping therapy.

The AAD recommends that patients receiving Cosentyx therapy should receive live vaccines only if the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are concerns about administering live vaccines during Cosentyx therapy, the data suggests that the risk is low, and the benefits of Cosentyx therapy often outweigh the risks. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy to determine the best course of action.

Key Takeaways

* Cosentyx is a biologic medication used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
* Live vaccines are vaccines that contain a weakened form of a virus or bacteria.
* There are concerns about administering live vaccines during Cosentyx therapy due to the potential for the vaccine to be ineffective or even cause harm.
* The data suggests that the risk is low, and the benefits of Cosentyx therapy often outweigh the risks.
* Patients should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy.

FAQs

Q: Can I receive a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid receiving live vaccines during Cosentyx therapy, but it is best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Q: What are the risks of receiving a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy?
A: The risks include the potential for the vaccine to be ineffective or even cause harm due to the suppression of the immune system by Cosentyx.

Q: Can I receive a live vaccine before starting Cosentyx therapy?
A: Yes, it is recommended to receive live vaccines at least 2 weeks before starting Cosentyx therapy.

Q: Can I receive a live vaccine after stopping Cosentyx therapy?
A: Yes, it is recommended to receive live vaccines at least 4 weeks after stopping Cosentyx therapy.

Q: What should I do if I have already received a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy?
A: If you have already received a live vaccine during Cosentyx therapy, you should consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Sources

1. Lebwohl, M. (2019). Psoriasis and biologics. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 80(3), 531-538.
2. Gottlieb, A. B., et al. (2017). Secukinumab for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trials. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(3), 432-441.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Guidelines for administering live vaccines during biologic therapy.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Psoriasis and biologics.
5. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Secukinumab (Cosentyx) patent expiration dates.

Highlight

"Live vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing infectious diseases, and it is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of administering them during Cosentyx therapy." - Dr. Mark Lebwohl, dermatologist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (1)