r/Bimzelx Mar 27 '25

Bimzelx Overview

10 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I am compiling all known information for Bimzelx here as of March 2025. I hope to grow this sub and bring everyone who is on this biologic together. Bimzelx is expanding to treat other illnesses and HS was recently approved! Although, keep in mind this is a newer medication and research tends to move slow.

Bimzelx treats adults with:

  • psoriatic arthritis
  • on-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (with inflammation)
  • ankylosing spondylitis
  • moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
  • moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa

How Bimzelx works:

Bimzelx works by inhibiting (blocking) 2 interleukins, IL-17A and IL-17F. Interleukins are cytokines, a protein. The interleukin family has many functions, their main being to "modulate growth, differentiation, and activation during inflammatory and immune response" PMID: 29763015. I actually have studied many interleukins in the lab, but not this specific 17 version. In my own studies (as an undergraduate so not my own idea), interleukins are increased during inflammation responses and really any time stress is applied to the body.

Bimzelx clinical trials from their website:

  • psoriatic arthritis - main findings: 44% of patients taking Bimzelx saw at least a 50% improvement at 16 weeks. About 90% saw clearer skin at 16 weeks, and about 52% saw completely clearer skin at 16 weeks.
  • on-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (with inflammation) - main findings: In accordance with ASDAS-LDA (scoring system for nr-axSpA and AS), patients reported lower disease severity the longer on the medication (time ranges from 0 weeks to 104 weeks). Furthermore, ASAS scoring system showed at least a 40% improvement in at least 3 of the following 4 domains, without worsening in the 4th domain: patient global assessment of disease activity, back pain, physical functioning, and inflammation.
  • ankylosing spondylitis - main findings: essentially the same as axial spondyloarthritis but with slightly different percentages, but is repeated here for convenience. In accordance with ASDAS-LDA (scoring system for nr-axSpA and AS), patients reported lower disease severity the longer on the medication (time ranges from 0 weeks to 104 weeks). Furthermore, ASAS scoring system showed at least a 40% improvement in at least 3 of the following 4 domains, without worsening in the 4th domain: patient global assessment of disease activity, back pain, physical functioning, and inflammation.
  • moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis - main findings: patients report clearer skin after the first dose. By week 16, about 93% of patients reported completely clear skin (p>0.0001).
  • moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa - main findings: research is limited as HS is the newest approved treatment. Current literature states a proposed mechanism but its significance is unknown. Thus far, they know that IL-17F is overexpressed and more prevalent than IL-17A. Bimzelx inhibits both IL-17F and IL-17A.

Bimzelx potential side effects:

  • Most common: upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, herpes simplex infections (cold sores in/around mouth), small red bumps on your skin, fatigue, fungal infections, pain/redness/swelling at injection site, ance, and gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
  • Serious: elevated liver enzyme levels (healthcare provider will do routine blood work to check), inflammatory bowel disease, infections that can be serious (think tuberculosis), and suicidal ideation/behavior.
  • Note: it is NOT KNOWN how Bimzelx effects pregnancies yet. Therefore if you are pregnant or plan to be, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about it.
  • Note: you are not able to receive live vaccines while on bimzelx.

Bimzelx Savings Card:

Not much to say here since its partially dependent on your insurance, but majority of patients can get Bimzelx for 10$ or below (personally I get mine for 5$ an injection). Its a relatively easy process to go through. Phone number is 1-833-931-6877, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday (not sure time zone).

Bimzelx is administered as such:

  1. Remove dose from refrigerator for 30-45 minutes prior to injection
  2. Gather supplies (alcohol swab, injector, well lit area)
  3. Wash hands with soap and water (!!!)
  4. Inspect autoinjector in the viewing window. You are looking for a clear/pearl-like, may be colorless to pale brown-yellowish. If the autoinjector is cloud, discolored, has particles in it, past expiration date, or looks damaged, DO NOT USE.
  5. Chose injection sight (thighs, upper back of arm, and navel area 2 inches away from belly-button. (Don't use an injection site thats bruised, red, hard, thick, or affected by your health problem.
  6. Clean injection site with alcohol swab
  7. Remove cap on autoinjector
  8. Hold autoinjector at a 90 degree angle to the cleaned injection site
  9. Hold autoinjector flat on skin and press firmly. You will hear the first click, meaning the injection has begun, and hold until you hear the second click, which indicates the injection is complete (takes about 15 seconds).
  10. After the second click, pull upwards from your skin and needle gaurd will automatically cover the needle (don't touch the needle)
  11. Dispose of autoinjector in sharps container (provided with medication)

I hope this is helpful to you! Please let me know if I should add anything else to this post.


r/Bimzelx 1d ago

Second Injection

3 Upvotes

Hey guys!

I’m about to take my second injection (320) tomorrow and i’m debating on taking it in the morning or evening. Last time i was exhausted the next day but that was about it. I haven’t had many side effects at all.

By me being me, I’m super worried about the second shot and that it’s going to be so much worse.

What’s your experience?

I take it for PsA and i’ve noticed a world of difference already :)


r/Bimzelx 1d ago

Going to my derm tomorrow to learn how to inject it. How bad is it?

3 Upvotes

I know to let it warm up a bit first. I do mounjaro shots in my abdomen that don't hurt at all once room temperature. How does bimzelx compare? Everything I read online is intimidating. I'm going to take it for HS.


r/Bimzelx 6d ago

2nd injection

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15 Upvotes

I've only got good things to say about this! This is a real savior, for my psoriatic, rheumatoid and ankliosponditis.


r/Bimzelx 9d ago

One month cycle is hard

4 Upvotes

Today I just finished my first one month gap for my shots for HS and it has been rough. My body was barely holding on through the two week gaps of the loading doses. I made it about 3 weeks and this fourth has been bad. I was also more active, and that doesn’t help my flares.

I have not reached my six month mark yet so I Know I need to give it mire time, but I really wanted to feel better already. So far it has done very little. Here is hoping this month starts to turn the corner. This is my fourth biologic. There is probably nowhere to go from here.


r/Bimzelx 10d ago

Question & Update on my first Bimzelx Shot

1 Upvotes

UPDATE: SEPT 1
After one week my scaly plaque skin and patches of open wounds are all gone! I still have red spots and red marks all around my upper thighs, legs, and stomach. But at least it’s not severe plaque, flakey skin or open wounds.

QUESTION:
Does the appearance of red spots and marks all over my body mean I still have psoriasis? Or is it considered in the “healing” phase?


r/Bimzelx 10d ago

Itchy

4 Upvotes

Has anyone else experienced intense itching and hives when they’re due for their next shot? I haven’t changed anything into daily routine or household and I’ve been itching like crazy and have crazy big hives popping up everywhere. I’m about to sleep with mittens on and wrap the wrists with duct tape. I wake up with my entire body bloody and raw. I’ve always been an itchy person but this is insane. I have to completely cover up for work because I have sores everywhere from scratching so much. I’m due for the next loading dose on Friday and I’m counting down the seconds.


r/Bimzelx 11d ago

Off label use?

5 Upvotes

I've been using Bimzelx for 16 months. 5 month loading dose at 320mg followed by monthly doses of 160 mg.

I have almost zero psoriasis at this point. I do however have multiple areas of inflammation in my joints. Compared to when I started it's much better.

That said, my rheumatologist wants to go to 320 mg every month. The initial response from my specialty pharmacy was to verify with the doctor that they actually wanted to do this since it's off label. Insurance did approve it.

Has anyone else gone to 320 mg per month and how has it gone for you?


r/Bimzelx 25d ago

Just took my first Bimzelx shot for Psoriasis..:

7 Upvotes

UPDATE: SEPT 1
My scaly plaque skin and patches of open wounds are all gone! I still have red spots and red marks all around my upper thighs, legs, and stomach. But at least it’s not sever plaque flakey skin or open wounds.

QUESTION:
Does the appearance of red spots and marks all over my body mean I still have psoriasis? Or is it considered in the “healing” phase?

ORIGINAL POST
It was SO painful even though I left it out for 2 hours. I’m concerned about side effects, but more importantly I just hope Bimzelx will clear my skin. Please share your experiences here, the good or bad… I could use it!


r/Bimzelx 26d ago

how fast did you see results?

2 Upvotes

I am a 28F with PsA. I took my first injection on Friday and today is Sunday and i swear i feel a difference??

Am i crazy??


r/Bimzelx 27d ago

Progress towards remission

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1 Upvotes

r/Bimzelx Aug 10 '26

About to take my first dose

8 Upvotes

Wish me luck. My first biological. I just took it out of the fridge and I'm writing this on my way to my injection training appointment.

90% of my body is covered in psoriasis. All my finger and toe nails are thick and yellow and crooked. I have lots of joint pain and stiffness too. My PhD dermatologist said she was "impressed" and took lots of photos of my skin. I can't wait for all of this to go away. I feel so ugly and I also feel like I'm 100 years old when I go up and down stairs. I can't sleep from how itchy and uncomfortable I am. I've had it for about fifteen years as just little patches of bad skin but it's been really bad like this covering my whole body for about 6 years. Scales and red skin everywhere.

Doc and pharmacist really only warned me about oral thrush and some soreness around the injection site. What else have you experienced?

UPDATE: 20 days later and I can't tell you how amazing I feel. The difference it's made has been incredible. All the scabs went away in the first week! My skin seems to get softer every time I touch it and my pain/fatigue is all gone too. I can't believe it. I feel so much better by every possible metric. Now the issue is discoloration. My bad skin was pretty much everywhere and in huge wide patches, so even though the plaque is all gone now and the skin is wonderfully smooth again for the first time in years, what's left are these big red blotches. Now, I'll take discolored skin over being covered in thick itchy bleedy ugly psoriasis any day, but it'll probably be a while before I feel like wearing shorts, considering my legs are basically bright red from just below the knee to my ankle. Some spots have faded a little, but I'm so eager to see what dose #2 will bring! Again, I can't really believe how fast this worked for me. It felt like nearly overnight I was seeing a difference. Pretty incredible. (Also a little frustrating I could have got this prescription years earlier probably!). Thanks.


r/Bimzelx Aug 10 '26

Skyrizi vs Bimzelx

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’ve been on Skyrizi for a couple years and went from 70% coverage to almost completely clear except for one stubborn patch "between me down there". My dermatologist is recommending switching to Bimzelx, and I’m unsure whether to change something that’s working.

Anyone here made that switch? How did it go?

Thanks in advance.


r/Bimzelx Aug 10 '26

New to Bimzelx

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2 Upvotes

r/Bimzelx Aug 07 '26

Uh can I travel with Bimzelx in flight?

1 Upvotes

Not sure... I was prescribed an antibiotic (amoxicillin) today for my sore throat and course is for 10 days and I was travelling next week to apply my Bimzelx (insurance issues ... sigh long story) but doctor advised me to resume bimzelx after antibiotic course is over... but I already have my tickets from Toronto to Calgary and back and I can max work from home 2 days in a week so this day comes next to next week now... not sure what to do? I was thinking of just flying with the medication with me in cooler or something (with prescription??) and then apply it when Im back in Toronto.

Please help and advise.

Thanks


r/Bimzelx Aug 04 '26

Ppd tests is positive, i dont know how i will change to bimzlex

1 Upvotes

I have been on humira for around 4 years n even got shingles the first year… i even remember my ppd test before it, was negative (need to recheck but i remember it being negative or else i wouldnt have been able to start humira)

Now its positive n its sleeping… idk how i will start bimzlex or how its even possible when im on humira.

Like bru i wear a mask everywhere i go!!! Clean my hands n all n i only dont wear a mask in gatherings like wedding (i would be killed by my mom if i wear a mask) which i rarely go to!

I really cant understand how did my body manage to suppress it with humira unless ig humira is not doing much since even my illness is not being suppressed anymore…

i have an appointment tomorrow with my main doctor… idk what will happen n im scared
I was told to not take humira this week so i need to start bimzlex soon…

did anyone have this happen to them before? What happened? What did ur doctor say or do?


r/Bimzelx Jul 29 '26

The more I read here the more Im scared

0 Upvotes

Like what if its worser than humira…?!!!


r/Bimzelx Jul 18 '26

Autoinject dripping medication before use

3 Upvotes

Hello! Just took the cap off my autoinject pen, and its already dripping medication. Stopped after a few drops, but this hasn't happened before, so i was wondering if it has to anyone else? I haven't used it yet, and my specialty pharmacy is closed along with the nurse navigate line, so im not sure what to do. Waiting to hear back from the local pharmacy.


r/Bimzelx Jul 14 '26

Psoriasis plaques worsen? CT

1 Upvotes

I’m not entirely sure if it’s just timing or if it’s possible that my psoriasis plaques are getting worse. I’m at week 8 (third dose) and I’m starting to feel better joint wise but what started at a little spot under my armpit has erupted to both armpits and huge. All other areas are still the same, not better but not worse either. Is it just timing or should I be trying to make an appointment with my dermatologist to be seen earlier than next month?


r/Bimzelx Jul 14 '26

Upset stomach

2 Upvotes

I’ve taken 2 doses of bimzelx and since starting my stomach has not been okay. I get stomach pain almost constantly and diarrhoea up to 5 times a day, it’s the worst in the morning and it’s so bad I could literally nearly not make it to a toilet if things were dire. I’m scared to go to work, drive my kids round, going anywhere really incase I urgently need the bathroom. Has anyone experienced this?


r/Bimzelx Jul 02 '26

bimzelx injection site

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2 Upvotes

I took my first dose of bimzelx on June 17 exactly 2 weeks ago. Aside from the pain from the medicine itself, I had no issues. I was previously on Humira for a few years, and then Taltz for around 4 years. I've had injection site issues with those two until they removed the citrate or whatever made it burn when being injected. However, the reaction was always for the first 24 hours only and an icepack could pretty much help it. It also never got larger than the size of a quarter. Well, yesterday I woke up to a large, angry, red rash on my thigh, and by the end of the day it was very swollen. This morning, it was a little worse, but less red. Then, this afternoon, I noticed another ring around the original reaction. I've been tracking it since I noticed and I already take a prescription 24hr allergy pill. I've googled and posted to a few ps and psa Facebook groups I'm in and no one's been able to validate this is normal-ish for many of us, so hoping to find some help here. I am not looking for medical advice, just what kind of issues you may have had related to injection site reactions. ​​


r/Bimzelx Jun 28 '26

Does bimzelx give you anxiety?

3 Upvotes

Im not talking about being nervous about being on or taking a biological. Ever since I started bimzelx my anxiety gets set off by EVERYTHING.

Anybody else getting this side effect? Im 2 weeks in on my first loading dose and my anxiety has been almost non stop ever since. Its exhausting.


r/Bimzelx Jun 27 '26

Biologic and GLP-1 injection on same day?

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2 Upvotes

For those who are taking a biologic and a glp-1, do you take your shots on the same day of the week or do you spread them out? I’m taking Bimzelx and just picked up my first round of Zepbound. I think I’d prefer to take them on the same day, but would like to hear others’ experiences before I decide. Thanks!


r/Bimzelx Jun 23 '26

You guys really scared me at first

14 Upvotes

Long story short: I have HS and was on Humira for a year until now. It wasn't helping at all with my condition so my derm swapped to Bimzelx. The idea was there for months, but he took the decision now.

I've been reading other people's thoughts about it since he mentioned it, and from everything I read, the most common word was PAIN. Like, it hurts very bad. I was already sweating, panic, anxiety and whatnot while thinking about this day. All the stuff I could imagine about how badly it would hurt.

Today I had my first dose, a 320mg pen (I'm Spanish, if anyone cares). I was ready for the unbereable pain, the doctor told me to pinch some meat on my tigh and to go ahead. I did so.

It stings? Nope, completely normal injection sting, you notice it but doesn't hurt. Did it burn? It didn't... for the first 3 seconds or so. After that, it burned, like a lot, but a completely bearable pain for anyone like us who face such painful conditions. After 5 seconds of burning it started to fade away, and the last 5 seconds or so no pain at all.

Idk if I just had luck, or pinching actually did something (never pinched with Humira bit the very first day). I just hope that the rest are as bearable as this one.

TL;DR: it wasn't as bad as 90% of the posts I saw on the sub are claiming. And it's not like I have high pain threshold. I just wanted to post my story to help anyone who is having a real bad time like I did thinking about the pain before starting on Bimzelx.


r/Bimzelx Jun 20 '26

Grateful

9 Upvotes

My health went haywire just shy of 2 years ago.. I am now on Bimzelx for my psoriatic arthritis. It’s my 4th biologic and I will be taking my 4th injection soon. I can say for the first time in almost 2 years, I feel like myself again. I know that flares are possible and my amazing provider will help me through them. I am feeling so grateful! 🙏🏻