Belimumab treats symptoms of lupus. This autoimmune condition can cause joint pain, fever, skin rashes and organ damage. You can receive this injection by a healthcare provider, or they’ll teach you how to safely give yourself this injection at home.
BELIMUMAB (be LIM ue mab) treats certain types of lupus. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which reduces inflammation and other symptoms of lupus. It belongs to a group of medications called monoclonal antibodies.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Benlysta, Benlysta SC
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is injected into a vein or under the skin. Injections into a vein are given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Injections under the skin may be given at home. If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. If you are getting this medication in a hospital or clinic, a special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
If you give yourself this medication at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then, resume dosing on the usual day you get your medication or start a new weekly dosing schedule from the day that the missed dose was given. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your care team with questions.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
In some patients, this medication may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your care team right away. If you cannot reach your care team, urgently seek other source of medical care.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original container until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. Do not use this medication or put it back in the refrigerator if it is left out at room temperature for more than 12 hours. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medication after 12 hours or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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