To minimize the side effects of Benlysta (belimumab), maintain communication with your doctor and call him or her at the first sign of symptoms. Benlysta is a medicine that your doctor or nurse will infuse into your vein, usually once or twice a month, to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the autoimmune disease lupus. Your doctor may be able to give you medicine before you receive Benlysta to reduce your risk of having a bad reaction to the drug.
Before you begin treatment with Benlysta, make sure your doctor is aware of your medical history and any conditions you are currently experiencing. Be especially sure to tell your doctor about:
- recurrent infections you are experiencing
- history of mental health problems (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- your vaccination status, if you have recently received a vaccination or are due to get one
- any type of cancer you have had
- any medical condition you are currently experiencing
- if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding (it is unknown whether Benlysta is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding)
- any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) or dietary or herbal supplements that you take
After you begin treatment with Benlysta, your doctor will monitor you closely to watch for signs of side effects, the most common of which are upset stomach, fever, upper respiratory tract infection or bronchitis, insomnia, arm or leg pain, and depression.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these potentially serious side effects:
- signs of infection: fever, chills, frequent and/or painful urination, bloody diarrhea, coughing up mucus
- signs of heart problems: chest pain, upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness
- mental health problems: suicidal thoughts or behavior, trouble sleeping, new or worse anxiety, new or worse depression, impulsive behavior, thoughts of hurting others, or other changes in your mood or behavior
- signs of allergic reaction to Benlysta (which is most likely to occur right after the infusion or by the next day): skin itching, rash, swelling, redness; swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, throat; trouble breathing; dizziness or fainting
To minimize the side effects of Benlysta (belimumab), maintain
communication with your doctor and call him or her at the first
sign of symptoms. Benlysta is a medicine that your doctor or nurse
will infuse into your vein, usually once or twice a...
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Stacy Wiegman answered:To minimize the side effects of Benlysta (belimumab), maintain communication with your doctor and call him or her at the first sign of symptoms. Benlysta is a medicine that your doctor or nurse will infuse into your vein, usually once or twice a month, to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the autoimmune disease lupus. Your doctor may be able to give you medicine before you receive Benlysta to reduce your risk of having a bad reaction to the drug.
