BENLYSTA

Benlysta has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of lupus nephritis, a type of kidney inflammation caused by lupus. This medication is specifically used for cases of active lupus nephritis, which is characterized by the presence of symptoms related to the disease.

Weight gain can be a potential side effect of corticosteroids, while weight loss may occur if an infection develops during Benlysta treatment. Additionally, changes in mood, including depression (which is a side effect of Benlysta), can also contribute to weight changes.

In 2021, the FDA granted approval to Voclosporin for the treatment of active lupus nephritis in adult patients. This medication is administered alongside other drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoids, and mycophenolate mofetil.

Belimumab decreases autoantibodies, restores low complement levels, and decreases specific B cell populations in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus.

With a NowPatient Rx Advantage Card, you can obtain Benlysta for just $4,585.82, a 49% discount from the typical retail price of $9,004.28 for the most prevalent version. BELIMUMAB is used to treat specific types of lupus by slowing down an overactive immune system, which reduces inflammation and other lupus symptoms.

No, BENLYSTA is not a form of chemotherapy. It is a biologic therapy that can be administered through an IV infusion or as a self-injection. Its mechanism of action involves reducing specific cells in the immune system that contribute to the activation of lupus.

Weight gain can be a potential side effect of corticosteroids, while weight loss may occur if an infection develops during Benlysta treatment. Additionally, changes in mood, including depression (which is a side effect of Benlysta), can also contribute to weight changes.

With proper monitoring and treatment, 80-90% of individuals with lupus can anticipate living a normal life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for lupus and some individuals may succumb to the disease, the majority of those living with it can expect it to not be life-threatening.

No, you should not experience any side effects from discontinuing Benlysta treatment. This medication does not typically cause withdrawal symptoms. However, it is important to note that Benlysta is prescribed to treat specific types of lupus. If you stop taking Benlysta, there is a possibility that your lupus symptoms may reappear.

While the product information for Benlysta does not mention weight gain as a potential side effect, a phase IV clinical study examined data from 14,100 individuals who had used Benlysta and found that 2.87% of them (404 people) experienced weight gain as a side effect.

Although hair loss has been reported in individuals using Benlysta after its approval, the condition was found to be reversible upon discontinuation of the treatment. It is important to note that hair loss may also be a symptom of your underlying condition, lupus, which Benlysta is designed to address.

Possible symptoms may consist of: itching, facial swelling, lip swelling, mouth swelling, tongue swelling, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, anxiety, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, or a skin rash.

Symptoms include progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, depression, insomnia, and pain in the arms or legs.

Weight changes can occur in individuals with lupus. Some may experience unintentional weight loss due to decreased appetite or digestive system issues. Additionally, certain medications used to treat lupus can also contribute to weight loss. Conversely, weight gain is also possible in some cases.

Benlysta begins to take effect immediately after your first injection/infusion. However, it may take up to 8 weeks for you to notice an improvement in certain symptoms. It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months for the full effects of Benlysta to be seen in resolving fatigue, joint, and muscle pain. Once you start experiencing improvement, these effects typically last for a long time.

Patients should be informed about potential delayed reactions that may occur after receiving BENLYSTA. These reactions can include a combination of symptoms such as rash, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and facial swelling. It is important for patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of these symptoms. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section for more information.

Benlysta has received an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 based on 53 reviews for the treatment of Lupus. The majority of reviewers, 66%, reported a positive experience, while only 8% reported a negative experience.

Belimumab has demonstrated significant improvements in the physical aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue, which is a prevalent and significant issue among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Overall, individuals with SLE experience greater benefits from belimumab in terms of their physical well-being compared to their mental well-being.

The latest study on lupus nephritis (LN) reveals that Benlysta (belimumab) effectively enhances kidney function when compared to standard therapy alone, with no significant safety concerns.

To better manage lupus, individuals with the disease should prioritize maintaining a healthy weight due to the challenges posed by obesity. Engaging in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can be beneficial.

Benlysta has the potential to weaken your immune system, increasing the likelihood of experiencing severe side effects such as a higher susceptibility to infections, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, or certain types of cancers. It is important to note that some of these side effects may require hospitalization or could even be fatal.

Please select either the abdomen or thigh as your preferred injection site. It is important to avoid injecting into the same spot each time and to steer clear of areas that may be tender, bruised, red, or hard.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and Benlysta (belimumab) are prescribed for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Additionally, Plaquenil is utilized for the prevention and treatment of malaria, as well as for managing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to note that Plaquenil and Benlysta belong to distinct drug classes.

BENLYSTA is a medication that requires a prescription and is intended for use by adults who have active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis while already taking other lupus medications. However, it should not be used by individuals with severe active central nervous system lupus. It is important to note that BENLYSTA should not be used if you have an allergy to belimumab or any of the ingredients found in BENLYSTA.

Although hair loss was not reported as a side effect in previous studies, three individuals experienced hair loss while undergoing Benlysta treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus after its approval.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate inflammation, pain, and fever caused by lupus. These medications can be purchased over-the-counter, like ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen®), or prescribed by a doctor, such as Voltaren®, Celebrex®, and Orudis®.

Plaquenil may result in weight loss for certain individuals due to its potential to reduce appetite. However, the exact number of people experiencing weight loss while taking Plaquenil is unknown. It is important to note that weight gain is not a recognized side effect of Plaquenil.

Benlysta begins to take effect immediately after your first injection/infusion. However, it may take up to 8 weeks for you to notice an improvement in certain symptoms. It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months for the full effects of Benlysta to be seen in resolving fatigue, joint, and muscle pain. Once you start experiencing improvement, these effects typically last for a long time.

Hydroxychloroquine is commonly prescribed for individuals with lupus to manage their symptoms and is typically taken for the duration of their lives. This medication effectively controls lupus symptoms while causing minimal side effects. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine has the potential to prevent blood clots and organ damage associated with lupus. However, it may take approximately 1 to 3 months for the medication to begin showing its therapeutic effects.

Benlysta has been on the market for a longer period of time compared to Saphnelo, and clinical trials have demonstrated its safety and effectiveness when used for at least 13 years. IV Benlysta is generally less expensive than Saphnelo. Saphnelo has been associated with an increased risk of developing shingles. Both medications should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, fever, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat (nasopharyngitis), persistent cough (bronchitis), trouble sleeping (insomnia), leg or arm pain, depression, headache (migraine), and pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the site of injection (when given subcutaneously).

The effectiveness of Benlysta injections may not be noticeable until after 6 or 7 months, as it requires time for the medication to decrease the activity of autoreactive B-lymphocytes responsible for the inflammation that leads to lupus symptoms.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is the primary antimalarial medication prescribed for individuals with lupus. Unlike chloroquine, which is now infrequently utilized due to its higher likelihood of causing side effects, hydroxychloroquine is the preferred choice. It is common for individuals with lupus to take hydroxychloroquine indefinitely in order to manage their condition and minimize flare-ups by up to 50%.