Generic name:belimumab [ be-LIM-ue-mab ]
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants
What is Benlysta?
Benlysta is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
Benlysta is used together with other medicines to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Benlysta helps decrease disease activity more than when the other medicines are used alone.
Benlysta is also used to treat adult patients with active lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation) who are receiving other lupus medicines.
Both the intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of Benlysta are approved for use in adults with SLE and lupus nephritis. The intravenous formulation of Benlysta is approved for use in children at least 5 years old with SLE.
It is not known if Benlysta is safe and effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
Warnings
Some people have had serious or fatal allergic reactions to Benlysta within hours or days after an injection. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as headache, anxiety, rash, itching, swelling in your face or throat, nausea, trouble breathing, and feeling dizzy or light-headed.
Belimumab affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough with mucus, skin sores, warmth or redness under your skin, increased urination, or burning when you urinate.
Report any new or worsening mental health symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, mood or behavior changes, trouble sleeping, or though...
