Bimekizumab (United States: Not available): Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat plaque psoriasis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
If you have an infection.
If you have active TB (tuberculosis).
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
You will need a TB (tuberculosis) test before starting this drug.
Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before treatment with this drug. Talk with your doctor to find out when you need to get any vaccines before starting this drug.
Talk with your doctor if you have recently had a vaccine or before getting any vaccines. Vaccine use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, talk with your doctor. New and worsening inflammatory bowel disease has happened with this drug. Sometimes this may be very bad. Talk with your doctor.
If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
If you may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask your doctor how long to use birth control. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Signs of inflammatory bowel disease like severe diarrhea, stomach pain, bleeding from the rectum, or rectal pain.
Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on the body.
Sweating a lot.
Shortness of breath.
Coughing up blood.
A big weight loss.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Stomach pain or diarrhea.
Passing urine more often.
Redness or white patches in mouth or throat.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Signs of a common cold.
Headache.
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Pimples (acne).
Small red bumps on the skin.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Feeling tired or weak.
Tooth pain.
Dry skin.
Cold sores.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
This drug may be given into the outer area of the upper arm if given by someone else.
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Do not heat this drug.
Do not warm by running water over it or leaving in sunlight.
Wash your hands before and after use.
If the dose is more than 1 injection, give the injections within the same body area. However, do not give injections within 1 inch of each other. Move the site where you give the next set of injections with each dose.
Do not shake.
Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
Do not give into skin within 2 inches of the belly button.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
This drug is pale yellow to brown-yellow in color. Do not use if the solution changes to a color other than pale yellow or brown-yellow.
Do not remove the cap or cover until ready to use.
Each auto-injector and prefilled syringe is for one use only.
Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
After taking a missed dose, start a new schedule based on when the dose is taken. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how to start a new schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Do not use if it has been frozen.
Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
If needed, this drug can be left out at room temperature for up to 25 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 25 days, throw this drug away.
Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
Protect from heat.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.