Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The drug comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under the skin. The maintenance dose is given once every 8 weeks.

Bimzelx is used in adults to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Bimzelx is prescribed for people who can get systemic treatment (affects the whole body) or phototherapy (treatment that uses UV light) for psoriasis.

The active ingredient in Bimzelx is bimekizumab-bkzx. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Bimzelx is a biologic medication that’s made from living cells. It belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Specifically, it’s an interleukin-17A and F antagonist.

This article describes the dosages of Bimzelx, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Bimzelx, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Bimzelx. Keep reading to learn more.

What are Bimzelx’s forms?

Bimzelx is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin.

It comes as:

  • single dose injection in a prefilled syringe
  • single dose injection in a prefilled auto-injector (an autoinjector injects a dose with the press of a button)

What strength does Bimzelx come in?

Bimzelx comes in one strength of 160 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL) of solution.

What are the usual dosages of Bimzelx?

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing the recommended dosage of Bimzelx and adjusting it over time to reach the right amount for you.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to give the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

The typical Bimzelx dosage for adults with plaque psoriasis is based on a dosing schedule.

The recommended starting dosage is 320 mg (two 160-mg injections) given every 4 weeks. This dose will be given on weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. (You’ll give a total of five doses every 4 weeks.) After this, you’ll give a dose of 320 mg (two 160-mg injections) every 8 weeks.

If your body weight is greater than or equal to 120 kilograms (kg), or about 264 pounds (lb), your doctor may recommend continuing the dose of 320 mg of Bimzelx given every 4 weeks after week 16. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.)

Is Bimzelx used long term?

Yes, Bimzelx is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Bimzelx based on your body weight. See the “Dosage for plaque psoriasis” section above for details.

Your dosage of Bimzelx may depend on your body weight. Your doctor will discuss your dosage and any adjustments you may need.

Bimzelx is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. Food doesn’t affect the dose of Bimzelx. You can give the injection at any time of day.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home.

You can also see the manufacturer instructions on how to give Bimzelx doses here.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Bimzelx, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you miss a dose of Bimzelx, give it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you’re not sure whether you should give a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not give two doses of Bimzelx at one time to make up for a missed dose.

If you need help remembering to give your dose of Bimzelx on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not give more Bimzelx than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you give too much Bimzelx

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve given too much Bimzelx. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Bimzelx’s dosage.

Is Bimzelx’s dosage similar to the dosage of Cosentyx?

No. Although the forms and how often you give each drug are similar, they have some differences.

Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) and Cosentyx (secukinumab) are both used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. But Cosentyx is also approved to treat other conditions and is approved for use in children.

They both come as a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin. Cosentyx also comes in a single-dose vial that’s given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional.

Cosentyx comes in various strengths and the dosage to treat plaque psoriasis is 300 mg given as an injection once every week for 5 weeks. After this, the dose is typically lowered to 300 mg given once every 4 weeks.

Bimzelx starts out as an injection given every 4 weeks and then increases to every 8 weeks. (For details about Bimzelx dosage, see the “What is Bimzelx’s dosage” section above.)

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the 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 to work after your first dose. But it may take several weeks to see an improvement in your condition. In studies, people using Bimzelx saw improvements in their plaque psoriasis after 16 weeks of treatment.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Bimzelx treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Bimzelx’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Bimzelx without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Bimzelx exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will you lower my dosage of Bimzelx if I have side effects?
  • Would I need a dosage adjustment if I have liver problems?
  • How does the dosage of Bimzelx compare with Taltz (ixekizumab)?

To learn more about Bimzelx, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.