A Rare Case of Drug-Induced Erectile Dysfunction with Secukinumab Solved After Switch to Ixekizumab in A Psoriatic Patient: A Case Report

Curr Drug Saf. 2020;15(1):69-72. doi: 10.2174/1574886314666190726155147.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a cutaneous inflammatory condition characterized by an altered turnover of keratinocytes leading to scaly patches. Secukinumab and ixekizumab are two biologic drugs inhibiting interleukin-17.

Objective: We report the first case, according to Naranjo score, of a secukinumab-induced erectile dysfunction with severe plaque psoriasis that disappeared after switching to another anti IL17 drug (ixekizumab).

Methods: A 45 years old man experienced erectile dysfunction during treatment with an anti-IL17. The adverse effect appeared after 60 days of treatment with secukinumab and rapidly disappeared after discontinuation of the drug. All necessary urologic exams were carried out. Re-administration of secukinumab, due to the exacerbation of psoriasis, caused the same sexual dysfunction after 60 days.

Results: Switching to ixekizumab lead to a resolution of the erectile dysfunction and a complete skin clearance.

Conclusion: We describe for the first time a sexual dysfunction possibly due to secukinumab and its resolution after the switch to another similar but different drug, highlighting the potential difference between anti-IL17A drugs.

Keywords: Anti-IL17; drug-related side effects; ixekizumab; naranjo Score; psoriasis; secukinumab; sexual dysfunction..

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Erectile Dysfunction / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • IL17A protein, human
  • Interleukin-17
  • ixekizumab
  • secukinumab