Bimekizumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 18, 2023.

Applies to bimekizumab: subcutaneous solution.

Serious side effects of bimekizumab

Along with its needed effects, bimekizumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bimekizumab:

More common side effects

• body aches or pain
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• hoarseness
• loss of voice
• muscle aches
• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• sneezing
• sore mouth or tongue
• stuffy or runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble breathing
• trouble in swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• white patches in the mouth or on the tongue

Less common side effects

• burning or stinging of the skin
• diarrhea
• itching in the genital or other skin areas
• itching of the vagina or genitals
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• scaling
• stomach pain
• thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor

Incidence not known

• changes in behavior
• dark urine
• rectal bleeding
• thoughts of killing oneself
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of bimekizumab

Some side effects of bimekizumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• blemishes on the skin
• burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, pus at the root of hair
• pimples

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bimekizumab: subcutaneous injection, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

Upper respiratory infections were the most frequently reported adverse reactions, including nasopharyngitis and oral candidiasis.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acne, folliculitis, rash, tinea infections, dermatitis, eczema, herpes simplex
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis contact, dyshidrotic eczema, intertrigo^[Ref]

Tinea Infections included tinea pedis, fungal skin infection, tinea versicolor, tinea cruris, tinea infection, body tinea, and onychomycosis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, gastroenteritis, oral herpes
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal, and cutaneous candidiasis^[Ref]

Oral candidiasis included oropharyngeal candidiasis, oral fungal infection, fungal pharyngitis, and fungal oropharyngitis.

Gastroenteritis included enterovirus infection, gastroenteritis bacterial, and gastroenteritis viral.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neutropenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Elevated liver enzymes^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anti-drug antibodies (up to 45%)^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions^[Ref]

Injection site reactions included injection site erythema, injection site edema, injection site pain, injection site bruising, and injection site swelling.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Otitis externa, otitis media, other candida infections^[Ref]

Other candida infections included vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, skin candida, and genital candidiasis.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 15%)^[Ref]

Upper respiratory tract infections included nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, viral upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis streptococcal, pharyngitis bacterial, viral rhinitis, influenza, and peritonsillar abscess.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Passive suicidal ideation, completed suicide, attempted suicide^[Ref]

Further information

Bimekizumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer