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Zinplava

bezlotoxumab

Used for Bacterial Infection

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) is a medication used to prevent repeat infection from a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). It's given as an injection into the veins for one dose only.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 19, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Prices Medicare

What is Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)?

What is Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) used for?

Prevention of another C. diff infection (CDI) in high-risk adults who are taking antibiotics for CDI

How Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) works

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) is an antibody (a type of protein). It attaches to a toxin that the C. diff bacteria releases into your body and neutralizes it.

Are you looking for information on Avastin (bevacizumab) or Zinbryta (daclizumab) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZinplava

Drug ClassBiologic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)?

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

Nausea (7%)
Fever (5%)
Headache (4%)

Other Side Effects

Infusion-related reaction (e.g., feeling tired, dizziness, shortness of breath)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Heart failure: shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, tired, confusion, faster heart rate

Source: DailyMed

The following 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
Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Fever
Headache
Nausea

Pros and cons of Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)

Pros

Works well to prevent CDIs

Given as a single dose

No known drug interactions

Cons

Only used for preventing CDI from happening again (not for treatment)

Given as an IV injection by a healthcare provider

Brand name only, so might be expensive

Pharmacist tips for Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) doesn't take the place of your antibiotic treatment for CDI. Make sure to continue to take your antibiotic(s) as prescribed to you.

Mark on your calendar your appointment to see your provider and receive your Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) dose.

Before receiving Zinplava (bezlotoxumab), be sure to tell your provider about your medical conditions, especially if you have heart failure.

Tell your provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It isn't known if Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) will harm your baby if taken during pregnancy or if it passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your provider.

Frequently asked questions about Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)

Why is Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) important to get if I need it?

C. diff is a type of bacteria that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. If severe enough, a CDI can be fatal. Your risk for CDI is higher if you are 65 years or older, have a weakened immune system, have had a previous CDI, have recently stayed in the hospital or at a nursing home, or take antibiotics. It's important for you to receive Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) if your provider orders it for you, because it's used to lower your risk of getting a CDI again.

If I've had a CDI before, does this mean I can't take antibiotics for an infection anymore?

You can still take antibiotics for a bacterial infection, even if you've had CDI before. The risk of developing CDI from antibiotics isn't the same; some antibiotics have a higher risk of causing CDI than others. If you have an infection and need an antibiotic(s), make sure to tell your provider that you've had a CDI before so they can pick the safest antibiotic for your infection.

Can I take Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) at home?

No, Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) is a single-dose medication given as an IV infusion over 1 hour. You'll need to go to an infusion center, clinic, or hospital to receive your dose.

Can Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) be used to treat CDI?

No, Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) can only be used to prevent a future CDI. It's for people who are already taking antibiotics for a CDI but are at high risk of getting another infection. It's important for you to continue your antibiotic treatment for CDI as prescribed, even if your provider ordered Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) for you.

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What are the risks and warnings for Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)?

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) 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.

Heart failure

Risk factors: History of heart failure

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) can raise the risk of heart failure symptoms, especially if you have a history of heart failure. People with this heart problem should use Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) only if it's clearly needed. Before starting Zinplava (bezlotoxumab), make sure to tell your provider if you have heart failure. Contact your provider if you experience difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing, swelling in your legs or ankles, low appetite, or if you get tired more easily after receiving Zinplava (bezlotoxumab). Your provider can check for heart failure through certain tests.

Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Zinplava (bezlotoxumab)

The typical dose is 10 mg/kg of body weight given as a single injection into the veins (intravenous, or IV) over 1 hour.

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