Zelsuvmi
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) is a topical gel used to treat a viral skin infection called molluscum contagiosum (MC). It’s approved for adults and children 1 year or older. This medication works as a nitric oxide-releasing agent to fight the virus and remove the small MC bumps (lesions) on your skin. Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) comes in two separate gel tubes that you mix together right before applying. You apply the gel directly to the skin lesions once a day for up to 12 weeks. Side effects include pain, redness, and itching at the application site.
What is Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)?
What is Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) used for?
- Molluscum contagiosum in adults and children ages 1 year or older
How Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) works
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) is a nitric oxide-releasing agent. Experts don’t fully understand the exact way it works to treat molluscum contagiosum (MC).
But the medication is thought to create a harmful environment for the virus that causes MC. It can block viral proteins from working and damage viral DNA. It can also prevent the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. This helps remove the small bumps (lesions) you get on the skin from the infection.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zelsuvmi |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Nitric oxide-releasing agent |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain (such as burning or stinging, 19%)
- Redness (12%)
- Itching (6%)
- Peeling or flaking (5%)
- Itchy, dry skin rash (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Swelling
- Fever
- Open wound at the skin surface
- Skin discoloration
- Blistering
- Vomiting
- Other irritation at the application site
- Infection at the application site
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic skin reaction: pain, itching, swelling, or redness at the application site that lasts longer than 24 hours
The following Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Irritation at application site
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Pros and cons of Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)
Pros
- Can be used on people as young as 1 year old
- Applied directly to molluscum skin lesions once daily at home
- May start to see improvements in MC skin lesions as early as 2 weeks
Cons
- Must mix the gel right before each time you apply
- Must wait 1 hour after applying before swimming, bathing, or washing
- Only available with a prescription
Pharmacist tips for Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)
- In your Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) carton, there are two tubes of gel and a dosing guide. You’ll need to mix the two gels together right before applying it to your skin lesions.
How to prepare Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) right before each dose:
- Use the dosing guide to measure 0.5 mL of gel from Tube A (berdazimer) and 0.5 mL of gel from Tube B (hydrogel). Squeeze each gel into the separate lanes on the guide to measure them correctly.
- Then, use your fingertip to mix the gels together on the dosing guide for about 20 seconds. Don’t mix the gels directly on the skin.
- Don’t premix Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) and save it for later. Mixing the gels from the two tubes activates the medication. That’s why it’s important that you wait to mix the gels until right before you’re ready to apply it. This helps you get the most out of your treatment.
How to apply Zelsuvmi (berdazimer):
- Only apply Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) to clean, dry molluscum contagiosum skin lesions. Try your best to cover each MC lesion with gel, even if it’s hard to see or reach.
- It’s important to avoid applying the Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) gel to healthy skin or open sores. Also don’t get it into your eyes, mouth, and vagina. If you accidentally do, rinse the area well with water.
- If you run out of Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) gel before you’ve finished applying to each skin lesion, you’ll need to prepare more gel. Clean the dosing guide with a dry tissue. Then, repeat the steps to mix more gel and apply to any untreated lesions.
Tips for after you apply Zelsuvmi (berdazimer):
- After you apply Zelsuvmi (berdazimer), wash your hands (unless you’re treating your hands). Wait at least 10 minutes for the medication to dry before going about your day. This will help prevent the gel from getting onto other areas or coverings.
- Rinse off any remaining gel on the dosing guide with mild soap and water. Then, dry it with a cloth, and put it back in the carton for next time. Be sure to keep the dosing guide since you’ll need to reuse it.
- It’s best to wait at least 1 hour after applying Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) before swimming, bathing, or washing. This will give enough time for the medication to get absorbed into your skin lesions.
- If your skin gets painful, itchy, swollen, or red and it lasts longer than 24 hours, be sure to let your prescriber or pharmacist know. You may be having an allergic skin reaction to Zelsuvmi (berdazimer), and you might need to stop using the medication.
Risks and warnings for Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Skin reactions
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) can cause a skin reaction where you apply the gel. This can include allergic contact dermatitis. Watch out for pain, itching, swelling, or redness at the treated area that lasts longer than 24 hours. If you think you or your child is having an allergic skin reaction, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. They may recommend stopping the medication.
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tubes of gel of 10.3% | 1 carton | $1,923.19 | $1,923.19 |
Typical dosage for Zelsuvmi (berdazimer)
Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) comes as two tubes containing different ingredients. Mix together 0.5 mL of gel from Tube A (berdazimer) and 0.5 mL of gel from Tube B (hydrogel).
Then, apply an even, thin layer of the mixed gel once daily to each MC lesion on the skin for up to 12 weeks.
How much does Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) cost?
$1,923.19
