What is Bimzelx: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
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.
Bimzelx overview
Therapeutic Classes:
Humanized interleukin-17A and interleukin-17 F antagonist
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 doses?
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.
Common Bimzelx prescriptions
Bimzelx
1ml of 160mg/ml penBimzelx
2ml of 320mg/2ml penBimzelx
1ml of 160mg/ml syringeBimzelx
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
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
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
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 prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)
BIMZELX, UCB, Inc.
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