Secukinumab

Common side effects include:

• Injection site reactions such as swelling, itching or bruising. They usually subside within 3 to 5 days
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blocked/runny nose
• Diarrhoea
• Cold sores
• White patches in the mouth or on back of throat

Majority of these effects tend to resolve by themselves. Inform your doctor if any side effects persist, if you are unable to tolerate them or the side effects become serious.

Secukinumab may reduce your body's ability to fight against infection. You should consult a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or feel unwell. Inform the doctor whom you consult that you are taking Secukinumab as the medication may need to be stopped while you are having an infection.

Rare but serious side-effects include:

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty In breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your doctor immediately.

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication, latex or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant. planning to become pregnant
  • You must use effective contraception while using Secukinumab and for at least 20 weeks after the last dose. Avoid pregnancy while you are taking Secukinumab as the effect in pregnant women is unknown.
• You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed,
  • Discuss with your doctor to decide if you should breastfeed or use Secukinumab.
  • You should not breastfeed while you are taking Secukinumab and for at least 20 weeks after the last dose.
• You are planning to go for any vaccination.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. Secukinumab may interact with other medications or supplements that you are taking.
• You have a history of:
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
  • Tuberculosis
    

Let your doctor or dentist know that you are taking Secukinumab, as it may increase the risk of infection after a surgical procedure.

Avoid eating raw. undercooked or half-cooked food.

Secukinumab may interact with other medications or supplements that you are taking. These include:

• Over-the-counter medications
• Nutritional supplements
• Traditional or herbal remedies
  

Inform the doctor. pharmacist or specialty nurse before starting on a new medication or supplement.

Pneumococcal, influenza (flu) and Hepatitis B vaccinations are safe and may be given if required. Avoid live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). OPV (oral polio vaccine). yellow fever or BCG (tuberculosis). Discuss with your doctor before receiving any vaccines.