What is Bimzelx? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Abhijeet Danve, MBBS, MD, MHS
Medical Doctor
Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Jan 14, 2024
Fact Checked

BIMZELX is approved for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It’s available as an injection administered with a prefilled autoinjector or prefilled syringe. The FDA approved this medication in 2023.

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Bimzelx overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • BIMZELX

Generic Names:

  • Bimekizumab-bkzx

Uses:

Therapeutic Classes:

Forms:

  • 160 mg/mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe

  • 160 mg/mL in a single-dose prefilled autoinjector

How it’s taken:

  • Subcutaneous injection

What is Bimzelx used for?

BIMZELX is used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, according to the FDA. In combined clinical studies, nearly 90% of people taking BIMZELX reported clearer skin at 16 weeks, according to the drug manufacturer.

Key takeaways

  • Bimzelx (bimekizumab) is a very effective therapy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is associated with a substantial reduction in the skin rash, scaling, and itching caused by psoriasis. 

  • Bimekizumab is given as an injection under the skin, usually every eight weeks, after the loading dose. 

  • Bimekizumab is being evaluated for use in psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

  • Higher rates of suicidal ideation were reported in patients treated with bimekizumab. Potential risks and benefits should be considered in patients with a history of severe depression or suicidal ideation or behavior.

  • Bimekizumab may increase the risk of infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, candida infections, tinea infections, gastroenteritis, and Herpes Simplex infections. Your prescriber will also test for and treat latent tuberculosis before starting bimekizumab.

  • Bimekizumab should be avoided in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

What form(s) does Bimzelx come in?

  • Prefilled syringe

    • 160 mg/mL

  • Prefilled autoinjector

    • 160 mg/mL

What are common Bimzelx dosages?

  • Loading dosage for psoriasis: 320 mg (2 injections) at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16

  • Maintenance dosage for psoriasis: 320 mg (2 injections) every 8 weeks

    • For patients weighing >120 Kg, a dose of 320 mg every 4 weeks can be considered.

Learn more about BIMZELX dosages here.

Bimzelx images - What does Bimzelx look like?

  • Bimzelx
    1ml of 160mg/ml pen

  • Bimzelx
    2ml of 320mg/2ml pen

  • Bimzelx
    1ml of 160mg/ml syringe

  • Bimzelx
    2ml of 320mg/2ml syringe

How to take Bimzelx

  • BIMZELX is a self-administered injection.

  • One dose of BIMZELX requires two injections, one after another, in the stomach area or upper thigh. 

  • A caregiver can also inject BIMZELX into the back of the upper arm. 

  • Use a different injection site for the second injection.

  • Always wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab before administering BIMZELX.

What to do if you miss a dose of Bimzelx

  • If you miss a dose of BIMZELX, take it when you remember.

Bimzelx contraindications - Who shouldn't take Bimzelx?

  • BIMZELX is not approved for children.

  • The safety of BIMZELX has not been established for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Avoid using BIMZELX in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease.

Bimzelx warnings

  • BIMZELX may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.

  • BIMZELX may increase the risk of infection.

  • Avoid using BIMZELX in patients with active tuberculosis.

  • BIMZELX may increase the risk of liver problems. Your healthcare provider will check your liver enzyme levels before starting and during treatment with BIMZELX.

  • Avoid using BIMZELX in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). New cases of IBD or flare-ups have occurred with BIMZELX.

Bimzelx interactions & what to avoid when taking Bimzelx

  • Bimzelx can modulate the levels of certain cytokines (proteins involved in the inflammation process), which can then change the levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of many prescribed drugs. 

  • Patients on Bimzlex who are taking drugs like warfarin or cyclosporine should be monitored closely.

Bimzelx side effects - How does Bimzelx make you feel?

Patients should immediately inform their provider in the case of suicidal ideations, serious infection, and/or a diagnosis or history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Serious side effects:

  • Suicidal ideation and behavior

  • Serious infections like cellulitis

  • Liver problems

  • Inflammatory bowel disease. Bimzelx is contraindicated in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease.

Less serious side effects:

  • Upper respiratory tract infections

  • Oral thrush

  • Headache

  • Injection site reactions

  • Tinea infections

  • Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)

  • Cold sores in or around the mouth

  • Acne

  • Folliculitis

  • Other Candida infections

  • Feeling tired

Sources:

Bimzelx News & Research

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Medically reviewed by Abhijeet Danve, MBBS, MD, MHS
Medical Doctor

Abhijeet Danve grew up in India and moved to the United States in 2009. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. He completed Medical School and Internal Medicine Residency at Seth G S Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. Dr. Danve then went on to complete his clinical rheumatology fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, and a research fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. Dr. Danve is a recipient of the Marshall J. Schiff Memorial Research Award (2013) and Distinguished Fellow Award (2015) awarded by the American College of Rheumatology and the Jane Bruckel Early Career Award by the Spondylitis Association of America (2019). Dr. Danve has a particular interest in patient care and research in the field of spondyloarthritis and gout. Dr. Danve’s work focuses on the early identification and diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis and improving the management of gout patients worldwide. He has authored many peer reviewed publications, editorials, and expert opinion letters in reputed journals and has appeared on TV interviews as well as webinars. He lives in Glastonbury, Connecticut, with his wife, Supriya, and two boys.

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