What is Bimzelx prescribed for?
Bimzelx is prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
What is Bimzelx and what does it do?
Bimzelx, pronounced bim zel’ ex, (generic name: bimekizumab-bkzx) is a medication approved by the FDA to help adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches.
How does Bimzelx work?
Bimzelx is a type of medicine known as a monoclonal antibody, which works like a very specific blocker for certain parts of the immune system.
In this case, it blocks proteins called interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F. These proteins normally help the body react to infections, but in psoriasis, they are overactive and cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy.
By stopping these proteins, Bimzelx helps calm down the inflammation and reduces the symptoms of psoriasis, leading to clearer skin.
What did the research discover?
The effectiveness of Bimzelx was confirmed through clinical trials involving 839 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
These studies found significant improvements in skin clearance compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
By week 16 of the trials, 84% of patients treated with Bimzelx achieved almost clear or completely clear skin, a vast improvement over the 5% in the placebo group.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Injection site reactions (like redness or irritation)
- Oral candidiasis (a fungal infection in the mouth)
- Fatigue
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Bimzelx is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it’s injected under the skin.
The recommended dose is 320 mg at the start, then at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, followed by an injection every 8 weeks thereafter.
For patients over 264 lbs, the dosage might be adjusted after week 16 to every 4 weeks based on their response to the treatment.
Source:
- BIMZELX (bimekizumab-bkzx). FDA Approval 2023. Accessed 2023 Oct 17 Available from: FDA Drug Trials Snapshots: BIMZELX
- BIMZELX Label [Internet]. Accessed 2023 Oct 17. Available from: BIMZELX Prescribing Information
