Benlysta Belimumab and/or alternatives

Product / Manufacturer

Quantity / Price (USD)

Benlysta Prefilled Autoinjector 200mg/mL

Manufacturer: Glaxo Smithkline Source Country : Canada
Shipped from : Canada

4 x 1mL Prefilled Pens - $2,855.00 USD

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  This item requires a prescription from your doctor
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Description of Benlysta

Benlysta is used to treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that affects several body parts such as the kidneys, joints, skin, heart, brain and lungs. The generic name of the drug is Belimumab.

You can buy Benlysta in the form of an injection. It is injected into the vein through an IV. The process of administering the shot is slow, and the IV infusion takes about an hour to complete. You must get the Benlysta shot in a hospital or clinic setting by an experienced medical practitioner.

Indications & Dosage of Benlysta

Benlysta is used to treat SLE. The common symptoms of the disease are chest pain, fatigue, hair loss, joint pain and sensitivity to light. One of the main immune cells that are involved in spreading this disease is B-cells. Benlysta is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system. It targets and destroys certain cells in the body. Once administered, the drug reduces the activity of the B-cells in the body of the patients

Benlysta must be diluted and reconstituted before administration. The normal dosage of the drug is 10 mg/kg for adults. The first three doses are given once in two weeks. From the third dose onwards, the injection is given once in four weeks. You must follow the directions of the doctor for scheduling the injection. If you miss a dose of Benlysta, fix the next appointment with the doctor at the earliest. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose.

Benlysta must be refrigerated between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, but it should not be frozen. The drug should not be exposed to sunlight or heat. The vials should be kept at room temperature in their cartons, away from heat and moisture.

Side Effects & Interactions of Benlysta

The less serious side effects of Benlysta are:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy nose
• Mild cold symptoms
• Sneezing
• Mild pain in the arms and legs

Serious side effects of Benlysta are:

• Wheezing
• Breathing trouble
• Bloody diarrhea
• Increased urination
• Cough with yellow or green mucus
• Swelling and redness on the body
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Worsened depression
• Chest pain
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Pain spreading to the arms and legs
• Thoughts about hurting oneself and/or others

If you have any of the serious side effects, consult your doctor immediately.

Benlysta may interact with the following drugs:

• Cytoxan
• Drugs that weaken the immune system

Inform your doctor about all your previous and present medications before starting Benlysta treatment to avoid any side effects and drug interactions.

Warnings & Precautions of Benlysta

You should not buy Benlysta if you have:

• History of mental illness or depression
• History of cancer
• Chronic infection
• Severe kidney problem
• An allergy to belimumab

Your immunity may be hampered while using Benlysta as the drug lowers the capacity of the blood cells that fight infections. You must conduct regular blood tests and not go near people who are sick. Don’t receive any live vaccine during treatment.

Benlysta should not be given to children. No studies have proven any harmful effects of Benlysta in unborn babies. It is advisable to avoid using the drug if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is also not known if Benlysta will pass into breast milk.