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.