Bimzelx

Consider getting all your scheduled vaccines before you start treatment with Bimzelx (bimekizumab). It's not known how this medication affects how well vaccines work or how safe they are for you. But it's best to avoid live vaccines while you're taking Bimzelx (bimekizumab). Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you're due for a vaccine or if you're not sure which vaccines are safe for you.

Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Bimzelx (bimekizumab) can interact with some medications, so your providers can check that your medications are safe to take together. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about interactions with Bimzelx (bimekizumab).

Store Bimzelx (bimekizumab) in the refrigerator in its original container and away from light; throw it away once it's past the written expiration date on the carton.

You can also keep Bimzelx (bimekizumab) at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 30 days; don't place it back in the refrigerator once it's at room temperature. Don't use it after 30 days at room temperature.

Make sure you understand and are comfortable with how to inject Bimzelx (bimekizumab) before using the medication yourself. Your provider or pharmacist will show you how to inject the medication for your first time.

Take Bimzelx (bimekizumab) according to your provider's treatment plan. Confirm with your provider whether your injection is every month or every other month.

Remember that you'll typically have to use two prefilled autoinjectors or syringes at different injection sites for each dose. The total dose you need each time is 320 mg of Bimzelx (bimekizumab), and each autoinjector or syringe contains 160 mg of medication.

When it's time for your dose, take Bimzelx (bimekizumab) out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before you inject the medication; this should take about 30 to 45 minutes. Then, wash your hands with soap and water and clean the area where you'll be injecting with an alcohol swab.

Inject Bimzelx (bimekizumab) under the skin of the belly, thighs, or back of the upper arm (with someone's help). Choose a different area to inject each time to prevent skin irritation.

For the Bimzelx (bimekizumab) prefilled syringes: Carefully pull the needle cap off the syringe. Gently pinch and hold a section of skin, and insert the needle under the skin at a 45-degree angle. Slowly push the plunger down until there's no more medication in the syringe and until you feel some resistance. Then, let go of the plunger; the needle will retract into the needle shield by itself.

For the Bimzelx (bimekizumab) prefilled autoinjectors: Pull off the cap, place the needle cover of the pen straight against your skin (at a 90-degree angle), and press down. When the injection starts, you'll hear a click and the window on the pen will start to turn yellow. When the injection is complete, the window will turn completely yellow and you'll hear another click. A complete injection takes about 15 seconds.

Throw away all used autoinjectors or syringes (along with the needle cap) in a sharps container. Visit the FDA page for more information about disposing your sharps to prevent needle-stick injuries.