Secukinumab

Also known as Cosentyx, secukinumab targets a part of the immune system involved in psoriasis. It is given as a shot. It can be a very effective treatment.

Side effects of secukinumab

• Reactions where the shot is given
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea (feeling like you need to vomit)
• Upper respiratory infections (colds)
• Higher risk of candida infections, such as thrush in your mouth or vaginal yeast infections
• Higher risk of herpes infections, such as cold sores and genital herpes

Rare but serious side effects of secukinumab

• Higher risk of getting infections, such as tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C.
  • You should be checked for these infections before starting this medicine.
  • Stop the medicine and call your doctor if you have signs of infection.
• Higher risk of certain cancers and a serious brain condition.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of multiple sclerosis.
• Serious allergic reaction.

Vaccines and secukinumab

Get a flu shot each year, unless you have been told not to by your doctor. Talk with your doctor before getting live vaccines.

Some live vaccines

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• Nasal flu mist
• Varicella
• Zostavax (shingles)
• Yellow fever
• Typhoid
• Live poliovirus

Pregnancy and secukinumab

Talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant. Right now there is no known risk of harm to the baby when this medicine is taken during pregnancy.