Benlysta (Belimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Benlysta Used For?
Benlysta contains belimumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat lupus and related kidney problems in adults 18 years and older.
Primary Uses
Benlysta treats systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus-related kidney inflammation (active lupus nephritis) in adults aged 18 years and over. It is given along with your usual lupus treatment.
How It Works
Lupus is a disease where your immune system attacks your own body. People with active lupus often have high levels of a protein called BLyS in their blood. Benlysta binds to BLyS and limits its activity, helping to control the disease.
Good to know: Benlysta is not addictive.
How to Take Benlysta
Benlysta comes in two forms: as a powder for intravenous infusion given by a healthcare provider, or as a pre-filled syringe or pen for subcutaneous injection that you can give yourself.
Dosage Instructions
For intravenous infusion: Your doctor will determine the correct dose based on your body weight (usually 10 mg per kg). It’s given as a 1-hour drip on day 1, then again on days 14 and 28, then once every 4 weeks. For subcutaneous injection: For SLE, inject 200 mg once weekly. For lupus nephritis, start with 400 mg (two 200 mg injections at least 5 cm apart) once weekly for 4 doses, then 200 mg once weekly. Inject under the skin in your stomach area or upper thigh, rotating injection sites.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a subcutaneous injection, inject the next dose as soon as possible. After that, you can return to your usual weekly schedule or start a new weekly schedule from the day you gave the missed dose. Consult your doctor or nurse if you’re unsure.
Important: Subcutaneous injection must not be injected into a vein. Don’t inject into areas where skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- high temperature or fever
- pain in hands and feet
- administration site reactions (rash, redness, itching or swelling where injected)
- nose, throat, chest, bladder or stomach infections
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including swelling of face or mouth causing difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips and tongue
- rash with itchy raised bumps or hives
- low blood pressure causing light-headedness when standing
- slow heart beat
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- low white blood cell count
- depression
- suicidal thoughts or behavior
- serious infections that can cause death
Important Warnings
Benlysta can cause serious side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Benlysta
Do not use Benlysta if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in the medicine, if the expiry date has passed, or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: history of allergic reactions to foods, dyes, preservatives or other medicines; history of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior; any current infection; recent or planned vaccinations; history of cancer; or if you’re taking any other medicines including over-the-counter medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception while using Benlysta and for at least 4 months after the last dose. Benlysta likely passes into breast milk, so discuss with your doctor whether to stop treatment or stop breastfeeding.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Tell your doctor immediately if you have memory loss, trouble thinking, difficulty talking or walking, or loss of vision lasting several days. PML is a serious, life-threatening brain condition that may be more likely with immune-suppressing medicines like Benlysta.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Benlysta and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- other prescription medications
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Benlysta affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Benlysta affects you.
Storage
Keep Benlysta in a refrigerator at 2°C-8°C until it’s time to use. Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light and keep where children cannot reach it. For subcutaneous injection, the pre-filled syringe or pen must be used within 12 hours once opened – discard if not used within this time.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Benlysta, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Benlysta is not addictive.
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Benlysta is given as ongoing treatment – initially more frequently (days 1, 14, and 28 for IV), then every 4 weeks for IV or weekly for subcutaneous injection.
If you miss a dose, inject the next dose as soon as possible. After that, you can return to your usual weekly schedule or start a new weekly schedule from the day you gave the missed dose. Consult your doctor or nurse if you’re unsure.
Yes, for subcutaneous injection, your doctor or nurse will train you or your caregiver on how to inject Benlysta safely. You’ll also learn to recognize signs of allergic reactions.
Watch for symptoms like fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, burning when urinating, muscle aches and pain, or redness, swelling or discharge at wound sites. Tell your doctor immediately if you get any infection symptoms.
Yes, women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception while being treated with Benlysta and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
Your doctor will decide if you can receive vaccinations. Tell your doctor if you need a vaccination or have recently received one.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.