What Is Cosentyx?
Cosentyx is a medication prescribed in a form of pills or injections. It is used to treat plaque psoriasis ranging from severe to moderate in adult patients who have been deemed potential candidates for such systemic phototherapy. When administered, Cosentyx can improve psoriasis but affect the ability of your body’s immune system to defend itself from infection.
The Qualitative And Quantitative Composition Of Cosentyx
– Each 1ml filled syringe contains 150 mg of Secukinumab (Secukinumab is a human monoclonal antibody).
Active ingredients – secukinumab.
Inactive ingredients – L-histidine, hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80, L-methionine, btrehalose dihydrate.
-The solution is clear and slightly yellow.
Considerations Before Cosentyx Therapy Treatment
People who should avoid taking Cosentyx include:
• Pregnant women – pregnant women should seek medical advice from their prescribing doctor to establish Cosentyx effects on the fetus.
• Breastfeeding mothers – it is however not known precisely if Cosentyx can be passed on to baby during breastfeeding.
• People with inflammatory bowel disease.
• People receiving vaccinations or planning to receive a vaccination. People taking Cosentyx are to avoid taking live immunization.
• Anyone undergoing any form of treatment.
• People who develop an allergic reaction to the medicine after the first initial administration.
• A person suffering from tuberculosis (TB) or has come into close contact with someone suffering from it.
• Anyone with a medical condition. People with medical conditions should seek medical advice from a medical professional who can gauge their compatibility with Cosentyx treatment.
Administering Cosentyx
Cosentyx is administered by a subcutaneous injection. Areas of the skin which show psoriasis should always be avoided as possible injection sites. Through proper training on subcutaneous injection technique, a patient can self-inject Cosentyx when a doctor determines that it is appropriate. Patients should be directed to inject the right dosage amount of Cosentyx in accordance with the instructions provided.
Possible Side Effects Of Cosentyx Treatment
Some of the common side effects of Cosentyx treatment include:
• sore nose and throat
• mild diarrhea
• upper part respiratory tract infection
• an occurrence of a sinus infection (sinusitis)
• a blocked or a runny nose
• cases of oral herpes
• athlete’s foot
• hives
• oral thrush
• tonsillitis
• impetigo
• ear infection
• inflammatory bowel disease
• eye infection or inflammation
• low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
• increased liver infection risk
Uncommon Side Effects
– Skin Rashes
– Difficult breathing
– Tightness in the chest cavity
– Swelling of eyelids, throat, face or mouth
Whenever any of the above uncommon side effects occur, always seek immediate medical advice from your prescribing doctor to avoid further complications.
Storing Cosentyx
1. Store in its original container because heat, air, light, or moisture can damage your medicine.
2. Store Cosentyx in a cool and dry place. Pills are easily damaged by lengthy exposure to heat and moisture.
3. For the injection solution, store in a fridge, temperatures ranging from 2 degrees to 8 degrees.
4. Avoid shaking Cosentyx.
To Note
Cosentyx has a potential to increase the risk of infections. Through clinical studies, cases of infections have been noted in patients receiving Cosentyx. Most of them were moderate or mild upper respiratory infections and did not need the treatment to be discontinued.
Caution should always be exercised if intending to use Cosentyx on patients with a history of chronic infections.
Featured Image: Depositphotos/© Farina6000
Written by: rudgebuoy
