Home > Drug >

Benlysta

Benlysta

Belimumab

Benlysta (Belimumab) belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants. Specifically, it is a monoclonal antibody.

Available form

Injectable, Powder, Injectable

Dosage

120mg, 200mg, 200mg/1ml, 400mg

Manufacturers

Glaxosmithkline

Generic brand of

Belimumab

Buy Benlysta Full drug details

What is Pocketpills?

As Canada's leading online pharmacy, we make sure you always have your meds on time. Use our app and website to fill prescriptions, order refills, and consult with our pharmacists. Take control of your health from home or on the go!

Easy refills, renewals, and reminders
Quick answers to your questions
Free delivery with SMS updates

Join us

Benlysta information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Benlysta (Belimumab) can be given as an intravenous (into a vein) infusion or a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

When Benlysta (Belimumab) is given as an intravenous (into a vein) infusion, the recommended adult dose is calculated as 10 mg per kilogram of body weight. It is given over 1 hour every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses. After the first 3 doses, it is given once every 4 weeks. Careful handling of Benlysta (Belimumab) is required. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

When Benlysta (Belimumab) is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, the recommended adult dose is 200 mg injected, once a week, on the same day each week.

Subcutaneous Benlysta (Belimumab) is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will assist you in the preparation and injection of your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to inject Benlysta (Belimumab) on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose. Rotate the injection sites (stomach, upper thighs) to minimize injection site skin irritation.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Benlysta (Belimumab) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Benlysta (Belimumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. If you are injecting the medication yourself and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. After that you can go back to having your injection on the usual day or you can start a new weekly schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Refrigerate Benlysta (Belimumab) between 2°C and 8°C, protect it from direct sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not allow the medication to freeze. Store Benlysta (Belimumab) in its original box until ready for use. If you are using the subcutaneous injection, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to injection. Do not use if it is left out at room temperature for more than 12 hours.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Benlysta (Belimumab). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Benlysta (Belimumab) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Benlysta (Belimumab). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Diarrhea
dizziness
dry eyes
Fever
headache
heartburn
joint pain
nausea
pain in legs or arms
redness, pain, swelling, itching, warmth, and bruising at the injection site
sore throat
stuffy or runny nose
symptoms of vaginal yeast infection (women; e.g., vaginal odour, curd-like discharge, itching)
toothache
trouble sleeping
vomiting
weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

fast heartbeat
persistent cough
signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
signs of low potassium levels in the blood (e.g., weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
speech difficulty
stomach pain
sudden high blood pressure
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g., pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

signs of heart problems (e.g., chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness)
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
symptoms of an infusion reaction (e.g., Low Blood Pressure, dizziness, slow heartbeat, shortness of breath)
symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (e.g., memory loss, trouble thinking, confusion, vision loss)
thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Benlysta (Belimumab).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Benlysta (Belimumab).

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

April 4, 2019

Health Canada has issued information concerning the use of Benlysta (Belimumab). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop a serious allergic reaction to Benlysta (Belimumab). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, Hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, get immediate medical attention.

Cancer: As with other medications that reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, Benlysta (Belimumab) may increase the risk of developing cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. Report any unusual infections, swelling or persistent pain, or unintentional weight loss to your doctor as soon as possible.

Depression: Benlysta (Belimumab) may cause or worsen symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Benlysta (Belimumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Benlysta (Belimumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Benlysta (Belimumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Infection: Benlysta (Belimumab) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells), increasing the risk of developing an infection or reactivating an inactive infection (e.g., herpes, Shingles). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections when possible.

If you notice signs of an infection such as fever, chills, pain, redness and swelling, pus, cough, or difficult or painful urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Benlysta (Belimumab) should also not be started while you have an active infection or a weakened immune system. While you are taking Benlysta (Belimumab), your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection.

Infusion-related reactions: As with other biologic therapies, Benlysta (Belimumab) can cause severe infusion-related reactions, sometimes resulting in death. Your health care provider will closely monitor you during and after the infusion. These reactions usually occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours of starting the infusion.

If you experience symptoms of an infusion reaction, such as fever, chills, difficulty breathing, tightness of chest or throat, stomach upset, and rash, tell your health care provider immediately.

It is important to take the medication(s) recommended by your doctor before your infusion of Benlysta (Belimumab). If you experience a severe infusion reaction, your doctor will give you additional medications to treat the reaction. Ask your doctor for more information.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using Benlysta (Belimumab). PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.

Suicide or self-harm: People using Benlysta (Belimumab) sometimes have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. If you have depression when you start to use Benlysta (Belimumab), you may be at an increased risk of feeling agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like yourself), or wanting to hurt yourself or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Benlysta (Belimumab), contact your doctor immediately.

Vaccines: Benlysta (Belimumab) may reduce the effectiveness of these vaccines. Live vaccines should not be given within 30 days of receiving Benlysta (Belimumab), or while using Benlysta (Belimumab). Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking Benlysta (Belimumab).

Pregnancy: Benlysta (Belimumab) is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you may become pregnant, use an effective method of birth control while you are using Benlysta (Belimumab), and for at least 4 months after the last treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Benlysta (Belimumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Benlysta (Belimumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Benlysta (Belimumab) have not been established for children.

Continue with Pocketpills

All material © 1996-2025 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Helpful links

See these other medications
that relate to

FAQs

Do I need a valid prescription (Rx) to order prescription medication?

Yes, you need a valid prescription, or Rx for short, from a Canadian prescriber to purchase medication that requires a prescription. If you need a new prescription, please contact us and we can help connect you with a doctor or we will reach out to your doctor for a renewal.

How can I refill my medication?

We will gladly coordinate with your doctor and insurance company to make sure you never run out of the medication you need. Additionally, we will remind you when it's time to schedule a delivery for your refill. You can also opt into automatic refills online, in the app, or by calling us at 1-855-950-7225.

Is Pocketpills free? How much does it cost?

Yes, Pocketpills services are free! You only pay your portion of your copay, and there are no hidden delivery or service fees. We'll transfer your prescriptions from your old pharmacy, find savings, and hand-deliver your medications at no extra cost.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept all insurance plans and direct bill ODB, OHIP+, and PharmaCare.

How much is shipping cost For Benlysta in Canada?

Shipping cost for Benlysta to you in Canada is zero. Pocketpills offers FREE shipping anywhere in Canada to help you get access to treatment.

How to get Benlysta delivered to my home?

You could get Benlysta delivered at your doorstep from us in Canada if you ordered prescription medications with a valid prescription. If you are not sure if we deliver to your area, contact us.