Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Bimzelx comes as an injectable solution that’s typically taken once every 4 weeks for a total of five doses and then once every 8 weeks.
Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx)* is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called monoclonal antibodies. Bimzelx is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Bimzelx, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Bimzelx, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Bimzelx provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Bimzelx, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
* The reason “-bkzx” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
Below is information about Bimzelx’s forms, strength, and dosages.
Read below for details about Bimzelx’s dosages for its approved uses.
Bimzelx forms
Bimzelx comes as a solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. It’s available in a single-dose prefilled pen or autoinjector.
Bimzelx strength
Bimzelx comes in one strength of 160 milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL).
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
Doctors may prescribe Bimzelx to treat plaque psoriasis.
If your doctor prescribes Bimzelx for your plaque psoriasis, your starting dose will likely be 320 mg. You’ll inject a dose of Bimzelx once every 4 weeks for a total of five doses. So, you’ll take a dose at week 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Then, you’ll likely continue treatment with 320 mg of Bimzelx once every 8 weeks.
For people weighing 120 kilograms* (about 264 pounds) or more, your doctor may recommend a dosage of 320 mg every 4 weeks. This 320-mg dose will be given as two injections of 160 mg each.
The table below shows the typical dosage schedule, including the starting dosage and maintenance dosage. Your doctor will choose a maintenance dose that suits your needs.
| Weight | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| less than 120 kg (less than 264 lb) | 320 mg every 4 weeks for 5 doses | 320 mg every 8 weeks |
| 120 kg or more (about 264 lb or more) | 320 mg every 4 weeks | continue with 320 mg every 4 weeks |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
* For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Long-term treatment
Bimzelx is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Bimzelx is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Bimzelx, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
The Bimzelx dosage your doctor prescribes may depend on your body weight. People who weigh 120 kilograms* (about 264 pounds) or more may take a dose of Bimzelx more often than people weighing less than 120 kg.
Talk with your doctor about the best dosing for you.
* For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Bimzelx comes in a carton of two single-dose prefilled syringes or autoinjectors. Each syringe or autoinjector contains 160 milligrams of medication per milliliter of solution (mg/mL). It’s given as a subcutaneous injection.
With a subcutaneous injection, you’ll inject the medication under your skin. You’ll use the single-dose prefilled syringe or autoinjector to give yourself Bimzelx. Your doctor or healthcare professional will show you (or your caregiver) how to inject your dose of medication. Make sure to inject Bimzelx according to your prescribed instructions.
Since each prefilled syringe or autoinjector contains 160 mg of medication, you’ll need to use two syringes or autoinjectors to get to your dose of 320 mg. You should inject the separate syringes or autoinjectors into two different locations, such as the thighs, abdomen, or back of the upper arm.
If you use your abdomen, do not inject Bimzelx within 2 inches of your belly button. If you choose to inject Bimzelx into your upper arm, be sure to have your healthcare professional or caregiver inject the dose for you.
Be sure to choose a different injection site each time you inject Bimzelx. You should also avoid injecting Bimzelx into skin that’s red, tender, bruised, hard, or affected by psoriasis. This will reduce your risk of injection-related side effects, such as bleeding or pain at the injection site.
If you have questions about how to use Bimzelx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also a helpful video on the manufacturer’s webpage and step-by-step instructions in the prescribing information.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you miss a dose of Bimzelx, take it as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Bimzelx than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Bimzelx
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Bimzelx. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Bimzelx.
Is the dosage of Bimzelx similar to the dosage of Taltz?
No, the dosages are not similar. While Bimzelx and Taltz are both given as subcutaneous injections, they have different active ingredients, dosages, and dosing schedules. Bimzelx is given once every 4 weeks for five doses. Then, it’s usually given once every 8 weeks. However, Taltz is taken more often. You’ll inject a dose of Taltz once every 2 weeks for six doses. Then, you’ll only need to take a dose once every 4 weeks.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Talk with your doctor to determine the drug and dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Bimzelx to start working?
Bimzelx starts working after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you may not notice it working right away. However, in studies, many people noticed improvements in their plaque psoriasis symptoms by week 16 of treatment with Bimzelx. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Bimzelx treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Bimzelx for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Bimzelx without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Bimzelx that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Bimzelx. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Bimzelx. For information about other aspects of Bimzelx, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Bimzelx, see this article. You can also look at the Bimzelx prescribing information.
- Details about psoriasis. For details about psoriasis, see our psoriasis hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.