Bezlotoxumab
Generic name: bezlotoxumab [ BEZ-loe-TOX-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Zinplava
Dosage form: intravenous solution (25 mg/mL)
Drug class:Immune globulins
What is bezlotoxumab?
Bezlotoxumab 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.
Bezlotoxumab 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.
Bezlotoxumab is not an antibiotic and will not treat the infection itself.
Bezlotoxumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Before you receive bezlotoxumab, 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 bezlotoxumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
congestive heart failure.
It is not known whether bezlotoxumab 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.
Bezlotoxumab is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How is bezlotoxumab given?
Bezlotoxumab 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.
Bezlotoxumab 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since bezlotoxumab is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.
