Does Cosentyx have a black box warning?
No, Cosentyx does not contain a Boxed Warning, also commonly called a “black box warning”. A Boxed Warning is the most serious safety drug warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A Boxed Warning details important or life-threatening risks or side effects that may occur with treatment. Boxed warnings appear prominently at the top of the package insert as well as in the Patient Medication Guide.
This does not mean there are not important warnings and side effects with the use of Cosentyx (secukinumab). Important safety concerns and warnings, some of which may be serious, include:
- Risk of serious infections due to a lowered ability of your immune system to fight infections. Before starting Cosentyx, tell your doctor if you have an infection, or think you might have an infection.
- Tuberculosis (TB): your healthcare provider should check you for tuberculosis (a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs) before you start treatment. Tell your doctor if you have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) before you start treatment. Cases of inflammatory bowel disease were observed in clinical studies.
- Serious allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions: do not use this medicine if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or any inactive ingredients. Anaphylaxis, a serious and life-threatening type of allergic reaction, has occurred with Cosentyx. Contact emergency medical services (call 911) or your doctor immediately if you experience a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; and very rapid heartbeat.
- Live vaccines: you should not receive live vaccines if you take Cosentyx. Examples of live vaccines include the nasal influenza vaccine (FluMist), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chickenpox, and yellow fever. Discuss with your doctor if you need any vaccines before you start treatment with Cosentyx.
This is not a complete listing of warnings, precaution and side effects. Discuss important safety information with your doctor before you start treatment with Cosentyx.
Learn more: Use, warnings, side effects and drug interactions with Cosentyx
Cosentyx is an immunosuppressant prescription medicine approved to treat:
- moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in people 6 years of age and older
- psoriatic arthritis in adults and children 2 years and older
- ankylosing spondylitis in adults
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (with inflammation) in adults
- active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) in patients 4 years of age and older.
Cosentyx may improve these conditions but may also lower your ability to fight infections.
This is not all the information you need to know about Cosentyx (secukinumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Cosentyx information, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
- What does psoriasis look like?
- How do you get psoriasis and is it contagious?
- How does Tremfya work?
References
- A Guide to Drug Safety Terms at FDA. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accessed August 2, 2021 at https://www.fda.gov/media/74382/download
- Cosentyx (secukinumab). Prescribing information / Medication Guide. Novartis. Revised May 2021. Accessed August 2, 2021 at https://www.drugs.com/pro/cosentyx.html
Read next
How does Ilumya work to treat psoriasis?
Ilumya works by binding selectively to interleukin-23 (IL-23) which is a naturally occurring cytokine. IL-23 plays a key role in promoting inflammation and regulating other cytokines (such as IL-17) and inflammatory substances, such as TNF-α3-7. By blocking the effects of IL-23, Ilumya helps control the release of IL-17 and TNF-α, which reduces inflammation associated with psoriasis. It also decreases how many inflammatory cells are present within psoriatic lesions, helps prevent plaque formation, and resolves tissue damage. Continue reading
Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
Prednisone first came onto the market over sixty years ago and is still going strong. But did you know that this common drug used for a variety of different conditions also has some pretty serious side effects as well? Continue reading
Where should you not use triamcinolone acetonide cream?
You should not use topical corticosteroids like triamcinolone acetonide cream on your face, groin, or axillae (underarm, armpit) unless directed by your doctor. Using triamcinolone in these areas may lead to unwanted side effects like acne, prominent blood vessels, skin thinning (atrophy), changes in skin color or unwanted hair growth. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- Why should I take folic acid with methotrexate?
- Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?
- How do you use clobetasol propionate on your scalp?
- Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?
- What is a substitute for fluocinonide cream?
- Sotyktu vs Otezla: How do they compare?
- How long does methotrexate stay in your system?
- Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
- Does taking vitamin D help with psoriasis?
- Can clobetasol be used for toenail fungus?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- How long does it take for Skyrizi to work?
- How does Taltz compare to Cosentyx for psoriatic arthritis?
- What are 6 key Taltz side effects to watch out for?
- How long does clobetasol stay in your system?
- Is fluocinonide an antifungal cream?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
- How long does it take for Otezla to work?
- What's the dosing schedule for Skyrizi?
- How long should you use fluocinonide for?
- How do you inject Humira?
- Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
- Does Cosentyx cause weight gain or loss?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Psoriasis (106 questions, 309 members)
- Cosentyx (20 questions, 25 members)
- Secukinumab (8 questions, 6 members)
- Plaque Psoriasis (92 questions, 69 members)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (89 questions, 281 members)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (57 questions, 212 members)
- Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (14 questions, 3 members)