Key takeaways

  • Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx) is a prescription drug used in certain adults to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.
  • Bimzelx comes as a liquid solution in a single-dose prefilled pen or auto-injector. It’s given as an injection under the skin, and the drug starts working after your first dose.
  • The dosage of Bimzelx you’re prescribed may depend on the condition being treated. And if you use Bimzelx for plaque psoriasis, your dosage may also depend on your body weight.

The active ingredient in Bimzelx is bimekizumab-bkzx. 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, its strength, and how it’s given. To learn more about Bimzelx, see this in-depth Bimzelx article.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Bimzelx. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Sometimes, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Bimzelx forms

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

It comes in two forms:

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

Bimzelx strengths

Bimzelx is available in two strengths: 160 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) of solution and 320 mg/2 mL.

Bimzelx is approved to treat the following conditions in adults:

The Bimzelx dosage you’re prescribed may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the recommended starting dosage is 320 mg given every 4 weeks. This dose will be given on weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16, for a total of five doses. Then, you’ll switch to a dose of 320 mg 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.)

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

To treat psoriatic arthritis, the typical dosage of Bimzelx is 160 mg given every 4 weeks.

If you have both psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, the Bimzelx dosage you’re prescribed will follow the recommended dosage for plaque psoriasis. (See the previous section for details.)

Dosage for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

For non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, the typical Bimzelx dosage is 160 mg injected every 4 weeks.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

For adults with ankylosing spondylitis, the typical dosage of Bimzelx is 160 mg every 4 weeks.

Dosage for hidrandenitis suppurativa

For hidrandenitis suppurativa, the typical dosage of Bimzelx is 160 mg every 4 weeks.

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’s instructions on how to administer Bimzelx doses.

How long do you use Bimzelx?

Bimzelx is typically 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.

If you miss a dose of Bimzelx, administer it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you’re not sure whether you should inject a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not administer 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 use more Bimzelx than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected 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.

The following 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 administer each drug are similar, they have some differences in dosages and the conditions they treat.

Both drugs come as a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin. But Cosentyx (secukinumab) also comes in a single-dose vial that a healthcare professional gives as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Cosentyx is approved to treat the same conditions as Bimzelx in adults. But Cosentyx is also prescribed to treat enthesitis, while Bimzelx is not. In addition, Cosentyx is used in children. Bimzelx is not approved for use in children.

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. For example, people using Bimzelx for plaque psoriasis in studies saw improvements in their condition after 16 weeks of treatment. And some people using the drug for psoriatic arthritis had symptoms (such as swelling, stiffness, and joint pain) reduced by 50% or more after 16 weeks of treatment.

For other study results, see the Bimzelx prescribing information or the manufacturer’s website.

Your results may vary from those seen in studies. Your doctor will monitor your condition during treatment to check whether the drug is working for you.

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

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.