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BIOLOGIC
Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
These insights are based on 96 comments about Bimzelx from myHSteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Bimzelx is a biologic medication that works by blocking two proteins in the immune system called interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F. These proteins help cause inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury or irritation. By lowering inflammation, Bimzelx can help improve skin symptoms in adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
Doctors prescribe Bimzelx when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. The usual schedule starts at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, then continues every four weeks. People may be able to give the injections at home after they are trained by a healthcare professional.
These insights are based on 96 comments about Bimzelx from myHSteam members.Members who use Bimzelx often say it can take some time to see how well it works, and that results can vary from person to person. They also frequently mention keeping in close contact with a dermatologist, watching for side effects, and looking into financial support programs if cost or insurance coverage becomes a barrier.
Be patient with timing, although you may see early results.
“In the first two weeks, major results. She still has flares, but they are nowhere even close to what she experienced being on other meds.”
Ask about copay or bridge programs if cost is a problem.
“They have a copay program that is very helpful. I only pay $5 for my script.”
Know that injection experiences can differ.
“I have just started my Bimzelx journey. I have only had one shot. It was painful. I injected it in my thigh, and whew, it was the longest 20 seconds of my life!”
Connect with others who understand life with HS. Join myHSteam for free.
In clinical studies of Bimzelx for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 1 percent to 15 percent of people. These included:
Bimzelx can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
UCB, the manufacturer of Bimzelx, offers the Bimzelx Navigate program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $5 per dose.
The program also offers support from a Nurse Navigator, including help with prescription status, financial support, injection training, and educational resources. To learn more, visit the Bimzelx site or call 866-424-6935.
Before starting Bimzelx, your doctor will test for tuberculosis and check your liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels.
Make sure your vaccines are up to date before starting treatment. Do not get live vaccines while taking Bimzelx.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to bimekizumab-bkzx or any ingredients in Bimzelx.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections.
Bimzelx is also FDA-approved to treat other conditions, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at your regular time.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Bimzelx, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
How effective is Bimzelx?
In two studies, about 48 percent and 52 percent of people taking Bimzelx every two weeks saw clear improvement in their skin after 16 weeks, compared with about 29 percent and 32 percent of people taking a placebo (an inactive treatment). This improvement means the number of painful lumps and abscesses decreased by at least half, with no new ones appearing.
In the same studies, about 33 percent and 36 percent of people taking Bimzelx had even greater improvement, compared with 18 percent and 16 percent of those taking a placebo. People taking Bimzelx also had less skin pain. Many reported their pain dropped by at least three points on a scale from 0 to 10 after 16 weeks.
How often is Bimzelx taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
For hidradenitis suppurativa, the recommended dose is 320 milligrams at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, then every four weeks after that. It is given as a shot under the skin.
Can Bimzelx cause headache or cough in people taking it for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Headache has been reported in studies of Bimzelx. In studies of people with hidradenitis suppurativa, the side effects were similar to those seen in Bimzelx studies for other conditions, but a specific rate for headache was not reported for HS. Cough was a side effect in another clinical study of people taking Bimzelx, but the rate for people with hidradenitis suppurativa is not known.
What tests or safety checks are needed before and during Bimzelx treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Before starting Bimzelx, people should be tested for tuberculosis. Liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels should also be checked before treatment starts. Age-appropriate vaccines should be completed before treatment, and live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Liver blood tests should also be ordered during treatment as part of routine care.
On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Bimzelx and hidradenitis suppurativa care:
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