Lupus Explained

Learn about lupus and its possible effects on your body.

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s healthy tissues.

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What is lupus disease activity?

Lupus disease activity is a representation of the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. Disease activity can be sporadic, unpredictable, and can mean worsened symptoms.

What is a lupus flare?

A lupus flare is a period of new or increased disease activity when symptoms can get worse. A single lupus flare can lead to inflammation, which can lead to organ damage.

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What can living with lupus feel like?

Common symptoms of lupus include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue (feeling tired often)
  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness and swelling
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose
  • Rashes elsewhere on the body
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Confusion and memory loss

 

This list is not all-inclusive, and BENLYSTA may not help with all of these symptoms. Consult your doctor to see if BENLYSTA is right for you.

If you have already been diagnosed with lupus, consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of the lupus symptoms above.

Everyone experiences lupus differently. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

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Diagram showing different areas of the body that may be affected by lupus

How can lupus affect the body?

There’s more to know about lupus and organ damage. Inflammation from lupus flares can lead to symptoms and organ damage.

 

Explore effects in the body:

Brain

Lupus can impact the brain and spinal cord, with inflammation from lupus possibly leading to headaches, dizziness, and behavior changes.

Lungs

Lupus can lead to inflammation in different areas of the lungs. Some of this inflammation can lead to shortness of breath, pain, and even the development of scar tissue that can impact the amount of oxygen your body receives.

Kidneys

Lupus can cause inflammation of the kidneys, called lupus nephritis. Learn more about lupus nephritis.

 

Lupus can also affect the urinary system, leading to infections and bladder inflammation.

Joints

Lupus can cause inflammation in and around the joints. People with lupus may experience joint pain, and the most common joints involved are the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.

Eyes

Lupus can cause skin problems around the eyes. It can cause rashes and scarring around the eyelids. Lupus can also cause inflammation of the middle layer, outer layer, and blood vessels of the eye, as well as dry eye, and sometimes vision problems.

Heart

Lupus can cause inflammation in different parts of the heart and may increase the risk of heart disease.

Digestive System

Lupus may cause problems with the gastrointestinal system, the liver, and the pancreas. Inflammation in the esophagus can even make it difficult to swallow.

Skin

Lupus can cause rashes or sores on the face, scalp, neck, arms, and legs.

Cardiovascular System

People with lupus may experience issues with blood and blood vessels, or the veins and arteries connected to the heart. Sometimes lupus causes inflammation in the walls of blood vessels, blocking blood flow to organs.

These are not all the organs and organ systems that could be affected by lupus.

Real Patient Stories

Morgan’s Story

“Lupus isn’t the main thing that defines me. I work a full-time job, I live a wonderful life with my husband, and truly just enjoy it.”

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Approved Use & Safety Info

Approved Use

Important Safety Information

Approved Use

What is BENLYSTA?

BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 5 years of age and older with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis (LN) (lupus-related kidney inflammation) who are receiving other lupus medicines. It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe/effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus.

 

It is not known if BENLYSTA is safe and effective for use in children less than 5 years of age.

 

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given under the skin (subcutaneously), is safe and effective for use in children who weigh less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

Important Safety Information

Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.

 

The most important information about BENLYSTA

 

Immunosuppressive agents, including BENLYSTA, can cause serious side effects. Some of these may cause death.

  • Infections: fever, chills, pain or burning with urination, urinating often, coughing up mucus, or warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body. Infections could be serious, leading to hospitalization or death.
  • Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions: itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, anxiousness, low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea, or skin rash. Serious allergic reactions can happen the day of, or in days after, receiving BENLYSTA and may cause death.
  • Mental health problems and suicide: thoughts of suicide or dying, attempt to commit suicide, trouble sleeping (insomnia), new or worse anxiety or depression, acting on dangerous impulses, other unusual changes in your behavior or mood, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

 

Before receiving BENLYSTA, discuss with your healthcare provider if you:

  • think you have an infection or have infections that keep coming back. Do not use BENLYSTA if you have an infection unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
  • have or have had mental health problems such as depression or thoughts of suicide.
  • have recently received or may need a vaccination. If you are receiving BENLYSTA, you should not receive live vaccines.
  • are taking any medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • are allergic to other medicines.
  • are receiving other biologic medicines.  
  • have or have had any type of cancer.
  • have any other medical conditions.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown if BENLYSTA will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether to prevent pregnancy while on BENLYSTA. If you choose to prevent pregnancy, you should use an effective method of birth control for at least 4 months after the final dose of BENLYSTA.
  • become pregnant while receiving BENLYSTA, talk to your healthcare provider about enrolling in the BENLYSTA Pregnancy Registry. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/benlysta-belimumab/.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if BENLYSTA passes into your breast milk.

 

Possible side effects of BENLYSTA

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a serious and life-threatening brain infection. PML can result in death or severe disability. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any new or worsening medical problems: memory loss, trouble thinking, dizziness or loss of balance, difficulty talking or walking, or loss of vision.
  • Cancer. Medicines that affect the immune system, including BENLYSTA, may increase your risk of certain cancers.

 

The most common side effects of BENLYSTA are nausea, diarrhea, fever, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, persistent cough, trouble sleeping, leg or arm pain, depression, headache, and pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the site of injection (when given subcutaneously). These are not all the possible side effects of BENLYSTA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

 

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for BENLYSTA.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report negative side effects to GSK at gsk.public.reportum.com or 1-888-825-5249.
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Pay as little as zero dollars

Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 for BENLYSTA, subject to program maximums.*

*Program annual maximums apply. Visit BenlystaCopayProgram.com for information about eligibility and full program terms and conditions.