Cosentyx side effects

[Andstretch]

Hi. This is my first time posting, wondered if anyone could advise on what to expect with Cosentyx re gastrointestinal side effects. I have ankylosing spondylitis which was treated with Humira for two years but was stopped due to a thankfully brief and successful battle with colorectal cancer. I now have a permanent ileostomy and am a little worried about starting the treatment - tried Sulfasalazine last year and effects were a bit of a nightmare to put it mildly! Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Leics]

Hi unfortunately I can’t help with that particular drug as I haven’t tried it. I too have a stoma though as I had colorectal cancer in my 30’s that was 20 years ago though and I’ve been cancer free since. I’m glad you’ve recovered from the battle and I’m sure having an ileostomy is still a bit of a learning curve for you. I have a colostomy and drug treatments can be a nightmare but it’s the same for everyone really with side effects and how they affect the stomach and bowel. Hopefully you get on well with it and it doesn’t have a big impact on your stoma. I have to say that diet can be a bit of a problem in itself with a stoma but most of it is trial and error unfortunately. That being said I eat almost anything I want what suits me one day may not the next but generally I’ve learned what sets me off. Good luck in your journey and it might be an idea to check out the ileostomy association or give them a ring to see if they can give you some advice there has to be others who have taken or are having this treatment or similar. It might just be a try it and see, I hope it’s amazing for you and gets to work quickly.

[Andstretch in reply to Leics]

Thank you so much for your reply, l shall certainly get on to the ileostomy association to see if they can shed any light on what l might expect. And thanks too for your good wishes - here's to both our stomas behaving well!

[Leics in reply to Andstretch]

Yeah there will always be problems from time to time but I was given the bag or box choice so I’ve never really had an issue with my stoma. In my experience though probiotics, live yogurt or kefir could be your new best friend to counteract the issues with diarrhoea. One a day for me usually keeps my gut healthy and stops the constant running to the loo problems. Only just found that one out after nearly 20 years lol. I have developed an egg allergy though, no idea where that one came from so keeping a diary is always a good idea to check if a food can make things worse with medication side effects. I’m sure you’ll be fine but if the new meds cause problems there are loads more out there oh and thankfully if things get really awful there’s always Imodium 😃.

[Andstretch in reply to Leics]

Yes, that choice certainly takes the edge off any issues that arise! And will definitely give the probiotics or live yogurt a go - specialist nurses have mentioned it, but good to hear it from someone with firsthand knowledge. Thanks again!