More precisely, secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody obtained through recombinant DNA techniques that is used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. It is therefore a biological drug whose use, however, is generally reserved in particularly serious cases in which "traditional" treatments have not given satisfactory results or cannot be used.
On the market, secukinumab is available in the form of subcutaneous injectable solutions (brand name Cosentyx®). These medicines are hospital drugs (range H) available in pharmacies upon presentation of a limited repeatable medical prescription (RRL - drugs that can be sold to the public on prescription from hospitals or specialists).
and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. ;Furthermore, before starting treatment with Cosentyx, it is very important to know that the active substance can cause serious side effects, such as infections and allergic reactions.
Among the possible signs of serious infection, we find:
- Fever;
- Flu-like symptoms;
- Tiredness;
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath;
- Persistent cough;
- Hot, red, painful skin or a blistering, painful rash
- Burning when urinating.
Among the possible signs of severe allergic reactions, however, we find:
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing;
- Lowering of blood pressure which can cause dizziness
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat
- Severe itching, skin redness and wheals.
Therefore, if signs appear that could indicate the presence of an "infection or the onset of an allergic reaction, it is essential inform your doctor IMMEDIATELY.
Please Note
The use of Cosentyx is not recommended in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age as it has not been studied in this patient group.
(SOP), over-the-counter drugs (OTC), herbal and phytotherapeutic products, etc. experiencing undesirable effects that differ in type and intensity, or not showing them at all.
If signs or symptoms of allergic reactions or severe infections appear (see chapter "Warnings and Precautions"), the doctor must be informed immediately.
Very common and common side effects
- Respiratory tract infections characterized by symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose;
- Cold sores;
- Diarrhea;
- Tinea pedis.
Uncommon side effects
- Oral candidiasis (thrush);
- Low levels of white blood cells which can cause fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers secondary to infections
- Otitis externa caused by infections;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Urticaria;
- Lower respiratory tract infections;
- Intestinal disorders which can manifest as diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pains, weight loss, blood in the stool.
Rare side effects and of unknown frequency
- Anaphylactic reactions;
- Exfoliative dermatitis;
- Fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
Please note
For more detailed information on the possible side effects caused by secukinumab-based medicines, please read the package leaflet of the product to be used carefully.
Secukinumab overdose
In case of administration - known or suspected - of excessive doses of secukinumab, it is necessary to inform the doctor.
fully human IgG1 / κ monoclonal capable of binding - hindering its action - to interleukin-17A (IL-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine).
It is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses, but also plays a role in the pathogenesis of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. Not surprisingly, it is over-expressed in the injured skin of patients with plaque psoriasis. and in the synovial fluid of patients with psoriatic arthritis; the frequency of IL-17A-producing cells is also significantly higher in the subchondral bone marrow at the facet joint of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and an increase in the number of IL-17A-producing lymphocytes is also found in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
By binding to IL-17A, therefore, secukinumab prevents it from interacting with its receptors, reducing the contribution it mediates in the pathogenesis of the aforementioned pathologies and inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and tissue damage mediators.
In practical terms, Cosentyx:
- Improves skin manifestations by reducing symptoms such as skin thickening, itching and pain in patients with plaque psoriasis;
- It improves physical function and slows down the damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints involved in psoriatic arthritis, allowing the patient to better carry out their daily activities;
- It reduces the signs and symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, while reducing inflammation and improving the patient's physical function.
The pens and pre-filled syringes can also be used by the patient but ONLY after having been properly instructed by the doctor on their correct use.
The dosage will be established by the doctor for each patient according to the type of pathology to be treated and the patient's response to the therapy itself.
For the correct way of using secukinumab-based medicines, it is recommended to strictly follow the instructions provided by the doctor and the instructions on the package leaflet of the medicine to be taken.
.In the event of pregnancy - known or suspected - the doctor must be informed.
It is not possible to breastfeed and take secukinumab. For this reason, mothers who are breastfeeding must inform their doctor of their condition and, together with it, they will evaluate whether to stop breastfeeding and start therapy with the active ingredient, or whether to avoid taking it and continue with it. feeding time.
At the end of treatment with Cosentyx, mothers should avoid breastfeeding for at least 20 weeks after the last dose taken.
