About belimumab
Monoclonal antibody; B-cell activating factor inhibitor
Used for
- Treats active systemic lupus erythematosus with standard therapy.
- Treats active lupus nephritis with standard therapy.
Usual adult dose
Systemic lupus: intravenous infusion at weeks 0, 2, and 4, then every 4 weeks; dose is weight-based. Lupus nephritis: same schedule, with a higher weight-based dose.
Usual dose in children
Systemic lupus, age 5 years and older: intravenous infusion at weeks 0, 2, and 4, then every 4 weeks; weight-based. Lupus nephritis, age 5 years and older: same schedule, higher weight-based dose.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, or fever
- Infusion or allergic reactions
- Infections, including serious infections
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
Important warnings
- Serious or fatal infections can occur.
- Rarely, severe allergic reactions occur during or after infusion.
- Depression and suicidal behavior have been reported.
- Not recommended with live vaccines or other biologic lupus treatments.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus; human pregnancy information is limited. Use requires consideration of potential benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; discuss potential infant exposure and treatment benefits with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Other biologic lupus treatments, including intravenous cyclophosphamide, may increase infection risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.