When you’re ready for something more, BENLYSTA may help.
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine, given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously, for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA IV is approved in children aged 5 years and older with SLE on other lupus medicines. It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe and effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
Why BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for both lupus and lupus nephritis.
Lupus
In three clinical studies of adult patients with active lupus, BENLYSTA*:
- Significantly reduced lupus disease activity mainly related to improvements in the immune system, muscles, joints, and skin.†
- Significantly reduced risk of severe flares in two of the three studies.†
- Reduced steroid dose by 25% or more (to a daily dose of 7.5 mg or less) during Weeks 40-52, in patients receiving 7.5 mg or higher daily dose of steroid at the start of the studies.†‡
* These studies were used in the FDA approval of BENLYSTA.
† Compared to other lupus medicines alone.
‡ A reduction of steroid dose was seen but was not statistically significant.
Results may vary.
Lupus nephritis
In a 2-year clinical study of adult patients with active lupus nephritis, BENLYSTA:
- Significantly reduced kidney disease activity, with maintained kidney function, reduced protein in the urine, and reduced need for rescue medicines.†§
- Significantly reduced risk of kidney worsening during the study by almost 50%. †
† Compared to other lupus medicines alone.
§ Rescue medicines such as steroids greater than 10 mg/day.
Results may vary.
What kind of medicine is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA (belimumab) is a biologic therapy, not a steroid. It is taken in addition to your other lupus medications and is available in three options for adults with lupus and lupus nephritis:
- an autoinjector you self-inject
- a prefilled syringe you self-inject
- an intravenous (IV) infusion a healthcare provider administers
For children ages 5 and above with lupus, BENLYSTA is available as an IV infusion.
Have you been diagnosed with lupus nephritis?
If you have been diagnosed with lupus nephritis, a type of kidney disease that can arise due to lupus, BENLYSTA may help. Access information and resources specially created for you.
Understanding Lupus
Coping with lupus can be tough — physically, emotionally, and socially. Find resources to help you make your experiences about so much more than lupus.
Understanding Lupus Nephritis
Living with lupus nephritis can feel overwhelming. Find resources that can help you cope better with lupus nephritis and the impacts it has on your life.
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