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Belimumab

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Pronounced

"be-LIM-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Benlysta

Uses

This medication is used with other medications to treat certain types of lupus. Belimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by decreasing the effect of a certain protein that is increased in people with active lupus. This may help decrease some of the symptoms of lupus.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using belimumab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein over 1 hour by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 4 weeks thereafter. The dosage is based on your weight.

Infusion reactions may happen during or after the infusion of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as headache, slow heartbeat, muscle pain, dizziness/fainting, or nausea. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects or may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.