Secukinumab

Urticaria and anaphylaxis have been reported; discontinue immediately if signs/symptoms of a serious hypersensitivity reaction develop and initiate appropriate treatment.

Secukinumab may increase the risk of infections. A higher rate of infections was observed with secukinumab treatment in clinical trials, including nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and mucocutaneous candida infection; the incidence of some types of infection appeared to be dose-dependent. Use with caution in patients with a chronic infection or a history of recurrent infection. In patients who develop a serious infection, monitor closely and discontinue use until the infection resolves.

Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy; do not initiate therapy in patients with an active tuberculosis infection. Consider antituberculosis therapy if an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed in patients with a history of latent or active tuberculosis. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis during and after treatment. Disease related concerns:

Treatment with secukinumab may cause exacerbations (some serious) and new onset of inflammatory bowel of inflammatory bowel disease; monitor patients for signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Concurrent drug therapy issues:

Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information. Dosage form specific issues:

Some dosage forms may contain dry natural rubber (latex). Other warnings/precautions:

Patients should be brought up to date with all immunizations before initiating therapy. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently; non-live vaccines administered during secukinumab therapy may not elicit an immune response sufficient to prevent disease.