Belimumab Injection
Belimumab is used with other medications to treat certain types of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Belimumab is also used with other medications to treat lupus nephritis (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the kidneys) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Belimumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the activity of a certain protein in people with SLE and lupus nephritis.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Belimumab comes as a powder to be mixed into a solution to be injected intravenously (into a vein) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. Belimumab also comes as a solution (liquid) in an autoinjector or prefilled syringe to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) in adults. When given intravenously, it is usually given over at least an hour by a doctor or nurse once every 2 weeks for the first three doses, and then once every 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide how often you are to receive belimumab intravenously based on your body’s response to this medication. When given subcutaneously, it is usually given once weekly preferably on the same day each week.
You will receive your first subcutaneous dose of belimumab injection in your doctor’s office. If you will be injecting belimumab injection subcutaneously by yourself at home or having a friend or relative inject the medication for you, your doctor will show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it. You and the person who will be injecting the medication should also read the written instructions for use that come with the medication.
Remove the autoinjector or prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature 30 minutes before you are ready to inject belimumab injection. Do not try to warm the medication by heating it in a microwave, placing it in warm water, or through any other method. The solution should be clear to opalescent and colorless to pale yellow. Call your pharmacist if there are any problems with the package or the syringe and do not inject the medication.
You may inject belimumab injection on the front of the thighs or anywhere on your stomach except your navel (belly button) and the area 2 inches around it. Do not inject the medication into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or not intact. Choose a different spot each time you inject the medication.
Belimumab may cause serious reactions during and after you receive the medication. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and after the infusion to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. You may be given other medications to treat or help prevent reactions to belimumab. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during the intravenous infusion or the subcutaneous injection or for up to a week after you receive the medication: rash; itching; hives; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing or shortness of breath; anxiousness; flushing; dizziness; fainting; headache; nausea; fever; chills; seizures; muscle aches; and slow heartbeat.
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Belimumab helps control lupus but does not cure it. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well belimumab works for you. It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of belimumab. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
