Type of medicine: BLyS-specific inhibitor; monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: belimumab, injection; Benlysta
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat systemic lupus erythematosus in adults.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have an infection or an infection that keeps coming back. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had a vaccination or are scheduled to receive any kind of vaccination.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while taking this medicine and for at least 4 months after stopping treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider if you need birth control. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start this medicine and each time you have a treatment.
Other medicines may be given before this medicine to help prevent allergic reactions and reduce other side effects.
These infusions are given by your healthcare provider. You will receive the medicine every 2 to 4 weeks. Keep all your appointments for infusions. How long you will need this treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider. If you feel pain or burning where the infusion is being given, tell your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may cause serious side effects. Some of these side effects may cause death. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as:
You may get serious infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a fever or ANY other symptoms of infection. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
This medicine may increase your risk for cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Your healthcare provider will check you regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): New or worsening depression; thoughts of suicide; unusual behavior or mood changes; chest pain; severe dizziness or lightheadedness; trouble breathing; unexplained tiredness or weakness; fever; chills; unexplained cough or sore throat; mouth sores; pain when urinating or urinating more often than normal; runny or stuffy nose; severe or bloody diarrhea.
Other: Redness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site; headache; nausea; mild diarrhea; trouble sleeping.
No significant drug interactions have been reported, however do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
