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Can I get a flu shot while taking Cosentyx?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 2, 2023.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

The answer is both yes and no, so it is a little bit complicated.

What is the difference between live, non-live vaccines and recombinant vaccines?

Vaccines work by teaching your immune system to fight off viruses, bacterial or toxins.

What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is an immunosuppressant injection that works by decreasing the body immune response. In plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults and active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) these conditions are caused by the immune system being overactive against your own body. Cosentyx works by decreasing the immune response, you then have less symptoms, and your condition improves or stabilizes.

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Is Cosentyx Effective for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Cosentyx has demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits for many adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, helping to reduce painful symptoms and improve daily life. While it may not work for everyone, it represents an important new option, especially for those who have not responded to other treatments.

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Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?

Both Cosentyx and Humira are available as subcutaneous injections (which means given under the skin) and may be used to treat certain inflammatory conditions such as plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and ankylosing spondylitis. Cosentyx is also available as an IV injection that can be administered by a healthcare provider. After an initial loading dose, Humira is given every two weeks and Cosentyx every four weeks. Continue reading

Does Cosentyx cause weight gain or loss?

Although weight gain or weight loss are not listed as side effects in the manufacturer's product information for Cosentyx, anecdotally several people have reported weight gain, some significant, during Cosentyx treatment. But most people who gained weight decided to continue with Cosentyx treatment because it had effectively cleared their psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Weight loss has been noted as a rare side effect of Cosentyx in post-marketing reports. Continue reading

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