Benlysta

Benlysta is a monoclonal antibody used to treat adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This medication works by attacking the body immune system to destroy the damaged cells and protect the healthy ones. Benlysta cannot be used by individuals who have suffered severe kidney damage caused by SLE or have active SLE that has attacked the nerves, spinal cord, and the brain.

• Benlysta

• Benlysta
• Saphnelo

• Injectable

• By injection

Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Do not remove the needle cap from the prefilled syringe or the ring cap from the autoinjector until you are ready to use it.

Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, red, bruised, or hard.

Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. It should be colorless or slightly yellow. Do not use the medicine if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake.

Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store this medicine in its original container until you are ready to use it. Keep it refrigerated until 30 minutes before use. You may also store this medicine at room temperature for up to 12 hours if protected from sunlight. Do not use and do not place this medicine back in the refrigerator if it has been left out for more than 12 hours.

Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

This medicine is given through an IV catheter that is placed into one of your veins or as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach or thighs. If the medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins, it must be given slowly, so the IV will have to remain in place for at least 1 hour.

Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

This medicine is available in 3 forms: a vial (glass container), a prefilled syringe, or an autoinjector. The prefilled syringe and autoinjector are the dosage forms you can use at home.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you use it. Do not warm it in any other way.

Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to belimumab.

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 4 months after your last dose.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to any medicine or have any kind of infection, a weak immune system, or a history of cancer, depression, or mental illness. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an infection that would not go away or kept coming back.

This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for infection, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, cellulitis, bronchitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathyInfusion reactionsChanges in mood or behaviorIncreased risk for certain types of cancer

This medicine may make it easier for you to get an infection. Take precautions to prevent illness. Avoid people who are ill. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, severe headache

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Some medicines can affect how belimumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using cyclophosphamide or other biologic treatments (including rituximab).

This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive live vaccines 30 days before or during treatment with this medicine.

This medicine may cause the following problems: A brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)Increased risk for certain types of cancerInfusion reaction

This medicine may make it easier for you to get an infection. Take precautions to prevent illness. Avoid people who are ill. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Confusion, memory loss, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, severe headache
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, pain or burning feeling when you urinate
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea, nausea
• Arm or leg pain