Bimzelx (Bimekizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bimzelx Used For?
Bimzelx contains the active ingredient bimekizumab and is used to treat several inflammatory conditions in adults by targeting specific proteins that cause inflammation.
Primary Uses
Bimzelx is used to treat plaque psoriasis (red, itchy and inflamed skin), psoriatic arthritis (joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness with similar symptoms to plaque psoriasis), ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (back pain and morning stiffness), and hidradenitis suppurativa (painful lumps and boils under the skin).
How It Works
Bimzelx belongs to a group of medicines called interleukin (IL) inhibitors. It works by reducing the activity of two proteins called IL-17A and IL-17F, which are found at higher levels in diseases such as psoriasis.
How to Take Bimzelx
Bimzelx is given as an injection under your skin using a pre-filled syringe or pen. Your healthcare professional should show you how to prepare and inject it properly before you do it yourself.
Dosage Instructions
For Plaque Psoriasis: 320 mg (two 160 mg injections or one 320 mg injection) at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, then every 8 weeks. If you weigh more than 120 kg, your doctor may continue every 4 weeks from week 16. For Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: 160 mg every 4 weeks. For Hidradenitis suppurativa: 320 mg every 4 weeks or as prescribed. Allow the medication to reach room temperature for 30-45 minutes before injecting for comfort.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your Bimzelx dose, inject a dose as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Call your doctor if you are not sure what to do.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Do not inject yourself until you have been trained by a healthcare professional.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat and stuffy nose)
- Thrush in mouth or throat
- Athlete’s foot
- Cold sores
- Gastroenteritis (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, decreased appetite)
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Headache
- Acne
- Redness, pain or swelling at injection site
- Feeling tired
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Serious infections – symptoms may include fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, feeling tired or short of breath, cough which will not go away, warm, red and painful skin or a painful rash with blisters
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Bimzelx, especially regarding infections and certain medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Bimzelx
Do not use Bimzelx if you are allergic to bimekizumab or any of the ingredients listed in the medication guide.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have ongoing infections or an infection that keeps coming back, tuberculosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or if you recently had or plan to have a vaccination. You should not be given certain types of vaccines, such as live vaccines while using Bimzelx.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Bimzelx should be used in pregnancy only if the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Bimzelx and affect how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking.
- Any medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without a prescription
- Live vaccines should not be given while using Bimzelx
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Bimzelx affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Bimzelx is not anticipated to have any influence on the ability to drive and use machines, but be careful until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled syringe or pen in the outer carton to protect from light. Bimzelx may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a single period of maximum 30 days with protection from light. Once removed from the refrigerator and stored under these conditions, discard after 30 days or by the expiry date, whichever occurs first. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have used too much Bimzelx, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dosing schedule varies by condition. For plaque psoriasis, you’ll receive injections at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16, then every 8 weeks. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment.
Yes, but only after your healthcare professional has shown you how to prepare and inject Bimzelx properly using the pre-filled syringe or pen. Do not inject yourself until you have been trained.
If you miss your Bimzelx dose, inject a dose as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Call your doctor if you are not sure what to do. Do not take a double dose.
You should not be given certain types of vaccines, such as live vaccines while using Bimzelx. Tell your doctor if you recently had or plan to have a vaccination.
Store in a refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C. Do not freeze. You can store it at room temperature (up to 25°C) for maximum 30 days with protection from light, but must discard after 30 days or by expiry date.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, flu-like symptoms, night sweats, feeling tired or short of breath, persistent cough, or warm, red and painful skin or a painful rash with blisters.
No, if you need a second injection for your prescribed dose, use a different place for your second injection. Do not use the same place to inject twice in a row, and choose a different place each time you give yourself an injection.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.