Zinplava

Generic name: bezlotoxumab [ BEZ-loe-TOX-ue-mab ]
Drug class: Immune globulins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 12, 2023.

What is Zinplava?

Zinplava is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target only certain cells in the body. Bezlotoxumab works by binding to a specific toxin produced by the Clostridium difficile bacteria, to help neutralize the toxin's effects.

Zinplava is used together with antibiotic medicine in adults with Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), an infection, that can cause life-threatening diarrhea. Bezlotoxumab may help keep this infection from coming back after treatment.

Zinplava is not an antibiotic and will not treat the infection itself.

Warnings

Before you receive Zinplava, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Zinplava is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure.

It is not known whether Zinplava will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether bezlotoxumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How is Zinplava given?

Zinplava is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take about 60 minutes to complete.

Zinplava has no antibacterial effects and will not treat the underlying infection. You must use antibiotic medication to treat C. difficile infection.

Use your antibiotic medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses of your antibiotic may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Clostridial Infection:

10 mg/kg IV over 60 minutes as a single dose

Use: To reduce recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients 18 years of age or older who are receiving antibacterial drug treatment of CDI and are at a high risk for CDI recurrence

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Zinplava is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving Zinplava?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Zinplava side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zinplava: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening symptoms of C. difficile infection, such as severe stomach pain or watery diarrhea;

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

• rapid weight gain; or

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion).

Common Zinplava side effects may include:

• nausea;

• fever; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zinplava?

Other drugs may interact with bezlotoxumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zinplava only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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