Bimekizumab (Bimzelx)
Bimzelx (Bimekizumab) is a biologic medicine that suppresses the immune system in order to treat psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
Bimzelx works by blocking interleukin-17 (IL-17), a signalling protein (cytokine) that regulates the immune system and is related to the body’s inflammatory response.
Taking Bimzelx
Bimzelx is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Bimzelx is available as a pre-filled syringe that is taken once every 8 weeks. The normal dose is either 320 mg.
Patients starting Bimzelx will receive an injection every 4 weeks for the first sixteen (16) weeks and then once every 8 weeks after that.
Watch our video to learn how inject Bimzelx at home:
Learn how to inject subcutaneous injectionsLearn how to inject autoinjectorsSubcutaneous injections (under the skin injections) are easy to do compared to other types of injections. A small needle pokes just under the skin to deliver medicine into the “fatty tissue” below.
The manufacturer of Bimzelx offers a support program to Canadian patients that are prescribed the medication:
Patient support program enrolment formsImportant Tests and Risks
Bimzelx can make it a bit harder for people to fight off infections.
People who take this medicine should call their doctor they have a fever, think they have an infection, or have been prescribed antibiotics to treat an infection.
Patients should coordinate with their doctor to stop treatment before any surgery. It can be re-started once things have healed and there’s no sign of infection.
Patients should discuss all vaccinations with their doctor because some (live vaccines) are not advisable to get while taking Bimzelx.
It is important to get a TB (tuberculosis) skin test and a chest x-ray before starting Bimzelx.
It is important for patients who are taking Bimzelx to get occasional blood tests as requested by their doctor to keep an eye on blood counts and monitor the arthritis.
Science
Bimzelx works by blocking interleukin-17 (IL-17). IL-17 is a signalling protein, or cytokine, that regulates the immune system and is related to the body’s inflammatory response.
Bimzelx is a type of protein known as a monoclonal antibody. It binds to IL-17, and in doing so, prevents it from binding to its receptors. Immune system cells like T-cells, a type of white blood cell, use IL-17 as a messenger to attract other inflammatory cells
When IL-17 is tied up by Bimzelx, the messages that are normally sent to recruit other inflammatory cells don’t get through as often, and the overall effect is suppression of the immune system. Though this suppression can make it slightly harder for patients to fight off infections, it also helps to stabilize an overactive immune system and treat the symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis.
Safety
People taking Bimzelx should talk to their doctor if they are concerned about any side effects. The most common side effects of Bimzelx are cold symptoms, upper respiratory tract infections, and headache.
Other possible side effects include:
- Injection site reaction – Bimzelx can rarely cause a reaction (redness, pain, & itching) at the injection site. Patients should tell their doctor if these are severe.
- Bimzelx can flare or un-mask inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis). Tell your doctor if you develop diarrhea while taking Bimzelx.
- Bimzelx can increase the risk of oral thrush (candidiasis). Let your doctor know if you develop pain or burning, redness, or white plaques in your mouth.
- Patients have very rarely developed allergic reactions (feeling faint, trouble breathing or throat tightness, chest tightness, and swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat) or hives while taking Bimzelx. Bimzelx should be stopped if this occurs.
People who should NOT be taking Bimzelx include:
- Anyone who has an allergic reaction to Bimzelx or any ingredient in this medicine
- Those with a fever or possible infection
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Patients who are about to have surgery should discuss stopping Bimzelx with their doctor. The medication can be restarted once things have healed and there are no signs of infection.
People taking Bimzelx should call a doctor if they feel sick and want to stop, or if they are concerned about any side effects.
Other reasons to call a doctor while taking Bimzelx include:
- Fever or possible infection
- Upcoming surgery
- Becoming pregnant or planning on pregnancy
- Planning any vaccinations
- Rash or allergic reaction
- Severe diarrhea
- Pain/burning, redness, or white plaques in the mouth
Resources
Drug Identification Number (DIN)
- 02525267 (Prefilled Syringe)
- 02525275 (Autoinjector)