Belimumab Injection

What is this medication?

BELIMUMAB (be LIM ue mab) treats lupus. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which reduces inflammation and other symptoms of lupus. It is a monoclonal antibody.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Benlysta

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cancer
• Depression
• Immune system problems
• Infection
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• An unusual or allergic reaction to belimumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

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 may 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.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Biologic medications, such as adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
• Cyclophosphamide
• Monoclonal antibodies, such as ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

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 another 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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Trouble sleeping

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

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.