Zinplava
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.
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
Drug facts
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Infusion-related reaction (e.g., feeling tired, dizziness, shortness of breath)
Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) 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
The following Zinplava (bezlotoxumab) 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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
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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
Typical dosage 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.
