Uses

What is Bimzelx used for?

Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is commonly used to treat the following conditions. 

Learn more about Bimzelx for psoriasis.

Bimzelx may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Bimzelx work (mechanism of action)?

Bimzelx blocks a substance in the body called interleukin-17 (IL-17) from working. People with certain conditions that cause swelling (inflammation) have too much IL-17. By blocking this substance from working, Bimzelx reduces the inflammation that occurs in these conditions.

How is Bimzelx supplied (dosage forms)?

Bimzelx is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).

  • 160 mg/mL prefilled autoinjector
  • 160 mg/mL prefilled syringe

How should I store Bimzelx?

Bimzelx should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not shake or freeze the medicine.

Bimzelx can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 30 days, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be placed back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within 30 days of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Bimzelx?

The most common side effects of Bimzelx are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Acne
  • An infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex
  • Cold sores in or around the mouth 
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fungal infections of various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, genitals, and feet
  • Headache
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Rash
  • Stomach flu
  • Swollen or infected hair follicles (folliculitis), which look like small, red bumps on your skin
  • Tiredness

There may be other side effects of Bimzelx that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Bimzelx?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Bimzelx are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bimzelx may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Bimzelx and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infection. Bimzelx can increase the risk of infections, including serious infections. It can also make current infections worse. Call your healthcare provider if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Bimzelx may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). A small number of people who used Bimzelx have developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It is not clear if Bimzelx increases the risk for these conditions. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of IBD, or if you have IBD and your symptoms get worse.

  • Black or tarry poop
  • Blood in your poop
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Bimzelx. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Bimzelx?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Bimzelx.

  • Bimekizumab
  • Bimzelx
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Bimzelx.

What should I know about Bimzelx before using it?

Do not use Bimzelx unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Bimzelx with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Bimzelx out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Bimzelx. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Bimzelx?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Bimzelx is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Depression, including history of suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Liver problems

Risk for Infection. Before starting Bimzelx, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any serious infections you have had in the past as well as any infections you have currently. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you have any of the following issues that might increase your chance of having an infection.

  • A current infection or any symptoms of an infection
  • Have a weak immune system or a history of infections coming back often
  • History of tuberculosis (TB)
  • Been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis (TB)
  • Living in, have lived in, or traveled to countries where there is a risk for TB

Other Medicines and Supplements. Bimzelx may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Bimzelx, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Vaccines. Let your healthcare provider know if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccines. There are certain vaccines (live vaccines) that you should not receive either right before receiving Bimzelx or once you have started using Bimzelx. Your healthcare provider will confirm whether any upcoming vaccinations are safe.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Bimzelx could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Bimzelx while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Bimzelx, you can register for the pregnancy registry by calling 877-311-8972 or at www.mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-studies. This registry collects safety information about the use of Bimzelx during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Bimzelx passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Bimzelx while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Bimzelx?

For more information about Bimzelx, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.bimzelx.com or call them at 844-599-2273.

Interactions

Does Bimzelx interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Bimzelx and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Bimzelx.

Does Bimzelx interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

Bimzelx may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Bimzelx. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Bimzelx?

If you or someone else has used too much Bimzelx, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Bimzelx?

If you miss a dose, use Bimzelx as soon as you remember. You can then use your next dose at the normal time. Do not use double or extra doses.

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