
BENLYSTA for
Lupus Nephritis
Talk to your doctor about the impact of lupus nephritis on your kidneys and strategies to monitor disease progression.
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA (belimumab) is a prescription medication used to treat adult patients with lupus-related kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) who are receiving other lupus medicines. Both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of BENLYSTA are approved for adults with active lupus nephritis.
It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe and effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus, and it has not been studied in combination with other biologics. Use of BENLYSTA is not recommended in these situations.
Do not take BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or to any of the ingredients in BENLYSTA.
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.
Why Add BENLYSTA?
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.*
* Compared to those not taking BENLYSTA.
† Rescue medicines such as steroids greater than 10 mg/day.
Results may vary.
Ask your doctor if BENLYSTA is right for you.
Study |
Characteristics |
BLISS-LN |
Evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of BENLYSTA intravenous (IV) infusion + other lupus medicines compared to other lupus medicines alone in adult patients with active, biopsy-proven LN. Duration: 2 years. |
BENLYSTA is the only approved treatment option for both lupus and lupus nephritis
Narrator: The human immune system is made up of organs and lymphatic vessels and nodes. It also consists of cells and a wide range of chemical messengers and other proteins that are produced by these cells of the immune system. This is the system that helps protect us from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other germs. B cells, a type of white blood cell, are an important component of the immune system. These cells recognize and fight germs by producing a special type of protein called an antibody. Antibodies recognize and latch onto germs. This attachment is a key step in how the immune system protects from infection and fights infection. Working together, the many parts of the immune system play a vital role in maintaining health.
When the immune system is not working properly, however, it can cause illness rather than help maintain health. Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is one of many diseases caused by abnormal immune system activity. In many people with lupus, certain B cells remain in the body longer than they should. These cells, called autoreactive B cells, play a role in causing lupus. Like other B cells, autoreactive B cells can produce antibodies. But the antibodies released by autoreactive B cells do not fight germs. Instead, these antibodies, which are called autoantibodies, attach to normal tissues inside the body. When this happens, the autoantibodies end up attacking your own body and tissues can become inflamed.
All of the cells of the immune system are influenced by chemical messengers. For example, one of the chemical messengers that binds to and helps the growth of B cells – including autoreactive B cells – is called BLyS. BLyS is short for B-lymphocyte stimulator. BENLYSTA works by binding to BLyS. When BENLYSTA is attached to BLyS, BLyS can no longer bind to and stimulate the autoreactive B cells. Adding BENLYSTA to your other lupus treatments may help reduce the abnormal immune system activity that contributes to disease activity in lupus.
Ready for more?
As you and your doctor consider BENLYSTA, it’s natural to have questions. To learn more about how BENLYSTA works, understand the financial help we offer, hear from others like you, and more, request your free BENLYSTA Information Kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for coverage assistance?
When you start BENLYSTA treatment, you also have access to help in understanding your health insurance coverage with BENLYSTA Gateway & Co-pay Savings Program. LEARN ABOUT YOUR COVERAGE OPTIONS
Are you a caregiver, friend, or relative of someone with lupus nephritis?
We have created a page with tips and resources for you. LEARN ABOUT CAREGIVING