Some people should not receive Benlysta (belimumab), a drug given by infusion to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the autoimmune disease lupus. They may include:
- anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to the drug
- people who do not have SLE but have other forms of lupus, such as active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus (Benlysta has not been studied for use in these other types of lupus)
- children, because the safety and effectiveness of Benlysta has not been established in children
- pregnant or breastfeeding women, because the effects of Benlysta on a fetus or breastfeeding baby are not known
- anyone who has recently received a vaccination or who needs to be vaccinated in the near future, because vaccines may not work as well if you take Benlysta, and may even make you sick
- people who take other monoclonal antibody medications or the drug cyclophosphamide, because potentially serious interactions with Benlysta could result
- anyone who is suffering from an existing infection or a recurrent infection, because Benlysta may reduce your ability to fight certain illnesses
- people who have experienced depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems in the past, because Benlysta may increase your risk for these problems
- people who have had cancer or other serious health conditions
Some people should not receive Benlysta (belimumab), a drug given
by infusion to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most
common form of the autoimmune disease lupus. They may include:
anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to the...
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Some people should not receive Benlysta (belimumab), a drug given by infusion to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the autoimmune disease lupus. They may include: