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Overview: Bizengri is an intravenous (IV) medicine used to treat certain types of lung, pancreas, and bile duct cancers. It stops certain cancer cells from growing. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Serious side effects may include infusion reactions, lung problems, and heart problems. Before using Bizengri, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you take.

Uses

What is Bizengri used for?

Bizengri (zenocutuzumab-zbco) is commonly used to treat certain types of cancer, including the following. 

Bizengri may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Bizengri work (mechanism of action)?

Your health care provider can test your cancer to see if it should respond to Bizengri. Bizengri is an antibody (protein) that is attracted to some cancer cells. It stops cancer from growing by attacking these cancer cells. 

How is Bizengri supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bizengri

Dosage forms and strengths

Bizengri is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Bizengri?

Bizengri is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Bizengri?

The most common side effects of Bizengri are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Tiredness
  • Infusion reactions (see below)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain
  • Fluid retention in your breast, face, hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Decreased electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, and phosphate
  • Decreased red blood cell levels (anemia) and decreased platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
  • Increased liver enzymes and bilirubin levels
  • Takes longer for your blood to clot 

There may be other side effects of Bizengri that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Bizengri?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Bizengri are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bizengri may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Bizengri and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint, chest, neck, or back pain
  • Numbness or a tingly feeling

Infusion Reactions. Bizengri can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Fever, chills, or shaking
  • Cough
  • Nausea

Lung Inflammation. Bizengri can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or feel short of breath. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain. 

Heart Problems. Bizengri may affect the ability of your heart to pump blood, which may increase your risk of heart failure. Your health care provider may check the function of your heart before prescribing Bizengri and while you are using it. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart problems.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Loss of consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Bizengri?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Bizengri.

  • Bizengri
  • Zenocutuzumab-zbco
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Bizengri.

What should I know about Bizengri before using it?

Bizengri is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You may get other medicines before your dose of Bizengri to reduce your risk of side effects, especially an infusion reaction.

Keep all appointments, including lab appointments, before and while you are using Bizengri.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Bizengri?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Bizengri is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer)
  • Heart problems, including heart failure

Pregnancy. Bizengri may cause harm to a fetus. You may need a negative pregnancy test before you can start using Bizengri. You should use effective birth control while you are using Bizengri and for 2 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are using Bizengri and for 2 months after your last dose. It is not known if Bizengri passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Bizengri?

For more information about Bizengri, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.bizengri.com or call them at 877-353-8546.

Interactions

Does Bizengri interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Bizengri and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Bizengri, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. Also, the risk of tiredness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Bizengri.

Does Bizengri interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Bizengri and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Bizengri?

If you or someone else has used too much Bizengri, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Bizengri?

Bizengri is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Bizengri as scheduled. Missing doses of Bizengri can cause it to not work as well. So it is important not to miss or skip doses, unless your health care provider tells you to.

If you miss an appointment to get your Bizengri dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.