Benlysta (Belimumab) for Lupus (SLE)

Benlysta… is given to adults with SLE who are receiving other Lupus medicines. works by reducing certain cells in your immune system that can make Lupus active. targets specific immune cells in your body, rather than the blanket approach of other therapies that suppress your entire immune system. is a biological therapy. Biological therapy involves the use of living organisms or substances derived from living organisms to treat disease. is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein made in a laboratory that finds and attaches to only one type of substance in the body. It is made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body, which may help protect healthy cells from damage. Before the development of Benlysta, most treatments (such as steroids, antimalarial medications, immunosupressive drugs, and organ-rejection drugs) were borrowed from treatment for other diseases or conditions. Type: Biologic infusion Benlysta is given through IV infusion, meaning it is delivered through a needle placed in a vein by a nurse or health provider. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least 1 hour. Preparation time before the infusion and monitoring time afterwards will vary, depending on what your healthcare professional thinks is best for you. Your doctor will prescribe a dose and schedule that is appropriate for your Lupus symptoms and your body. The most common schedule is to receive the first three infusions at two week increments, and after that to receive one infusion every four weeks. Benlysta is a biologic, also known as a biopharmaceutical. These types of medications are synthesized from biological sources and can contain sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, or other living cells.

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