Belimumab (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 21, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Benlysta

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Immunological Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody

Uses for belimumab

Belimumab injection is used to treat active, autoantibody-positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis in patients who are also receiving other lupus treatments. It is a monoclonal antibody that changes the immune system to help control lupus symptoms.

Belimumab is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using belimumab

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For belimumab, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to belimumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of belimumab injection to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, given as a needle placed into one of the veins in children younger than 5 years of age and as a shot under the skin in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of belimumab injection to treat lupus nephritis in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of belimumab injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients may require caution when receiving belimumab.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking belimumab, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using belimumab with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Tofacitinib

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause...