How does BENLYSTA work?

Discover how BENLYSTA may help reduce abnormal immune system activity in people with lupus and lupus nephritis.

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BENLYSTA targets an underlying cause of lupus.

BENLYSTA is a biologic therapy, not a steroid, so it doesn’t suppress your entire immune system. It works differently from standard treatments for lupus. BENLYSTA targets an underlying cause of lupus. BENLYSTA affects an immune process that can lead to inflammation in people with lupus and lupus nephritis.

Watch a short video to see how BENLYSTA can help.

BENLYSTA affects an immune process that can lead to inflammation in people with lupus and lupus nephritis.

In many people with lupus, certain white blood cells called autoreactive B cells cells stay in the body longer than they should. One of the important proteins for the growth of B cells is called B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS. BENLYSTA binds to BLyS and prevents it from stimulating B cells.

Show Transcript

NARRATOR:
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat people 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 and effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus.

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given under the skin, is safe and effective in:

  • children with SLE under 5 years of age or weighing less than 33 lbs
  • children with LN under 18 years of age

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given in a vein (intravenously), is safe and effective in children less than 5 years of age.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat people 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, given under the skin, is safe/effective in:

  • children with SLE under 5 years of age or weighing less than 33 lbs
  • children with LN under 18 years of age

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given in a vein (intravenously), is safe and effective in children less than 5 years of age.

Benlysta (belimumab)

NARRATOR:
Important Safety Information
Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.

Remember to watch the complete video to see additional safety information.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Important Safety Information
Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.

Please click the Important Safety Information tab to the left to watch or hear the Important Safety Information about BENLYSTA.

Benlysta (belimumab)

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Benlysta (belimumab) 
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial 
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL

Part 1: The Immune System, B Cells, and Antibodies

NARRATOR:
The human immune system is made up of organs and lymphatic vessels and nodes.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Thymus 
Spleen
Lymphatic Vessels and Nodes

NARRATOR:
It also consists of cells and a wide range of chemical messengers and other proteins that are produced by these cells of the immune system. This is the system that helps protect us from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other germs.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Lymphatic Vessels and Nodes

NARRATOR:
B cells, a type of white blood cell, are an important component of the immune system.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
B-Cells

NARRATOR:
These cells recognize and fight germs by producing a special type of protein called an antibody. Antibodies recognize and latch onto germs. This attachment is a key step in how the immune system protects from infection and fights infection.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Antibodies 
Germs

NARRATOR:
Working together, the many parts of the immune system play a vital role in maintaining health.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Benlysta (belimumab) 
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial 
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL

Part 2: Autoreactive B Cells, Inflammation, and Lupus

NARRATOR:
When the immune system is not working properly, however, it can cause illness rather than help maintain health. Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is one of many diseases caused by abnormal immune system activity.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus = SLE

NARRATOR:
In many people with lupus, certain B cells remain in the body longer than they should. These cells, called autoreactive B cells, play a role in causing lupus.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Autoreactive B-Cells

NARRATOR:
Like other B cells, autoreactive B cells can produce antibodies. But the antibodies released by autoreactive B cells do not fight germs. Instead, these antibodies, which are called autoantibodies, attach to normal tissues inside the body.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Autoantibody

NARRATOR
When this happens, the autoantibodies end up attacking your own body and tissues can become inflamed.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Benlysta
(belimumab) 
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial 
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL

Part 3: How BENLYSTA (belimumab) Works)

NARRATOR:
All of the cells of the immune system are influenced by chemical messengers. For example, one of the chemical messengers that binds to and helps the growth of B cells – including autoreactive B cells – is called BLyS. BLyS is short for B-lymphocyte stimulator. BENLYSTA works by binding to BLyS.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
BLyS BENLYSTA

NARRATOR:
When BENLYSTA is attached to BLyS, BLyS can no longer bind to and stimulate the autoreactive B cells. Adding BENLYSTA to your other lupus treatments may help reduce the abnormal immune system activity that contributes to disease activity in lupus.

If you are considering BENLYSTA, ask your doctor about whether this medication may be right for you. And now, Important Safety Information about BENLYSTA.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Benlysta (belimumab) 
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial 
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL

Important Safety Information

NARRATOR:
What is BENLYSTA?

BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat people 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 and effective in people with severe active central nervous system lupus.

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given under the skin, is safe and effective in:

  • children with SLE under 5 years of age or weighing less than 33 lbs
  • children with LN under 18 years of age

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given in a vein (intravenously), is safe and effective in children less than 5 years of age.

Important Safety Information
Do not receive BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
What is BENLYSTA?

BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine used to treat people 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, given under the skin, is safe/effective in:

  • children with SLE under 5 years of age or weighing less than 33 lbs
  • children with LN under 18 years of age

It is not known if BENLYSTA, given in a vein (intravenously), is safe and effective in children less than 5 years of age

Important Safety Information

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

Benlysta (belimumab)

NARRATOR and ON-SCREEN TEXT:
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 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 on to 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.

NARRATOR:
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.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
For more information and access to Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, visit www.BENLYSTA.com or call BENLYSTA Gateway at 1-877-4-BENLYSTA (1-877-423-6597) Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time.

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.

Benlysta Cares
Have questions or need assistance?
Call 1-877-4-BENLYSTA
(1-877-423-6597)
Personalized Support
Benefits & Savings
Exclusive Resources

Whether you need treatment support or financial assistance, BENLYSTA Cares may be able to help.

Benlysta
(belimumab)
GSK

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2024 GSK or licensor. 
PMUS-BELVID240014 July 2024
Produced in USA.

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In many people with lupus, certain white blood cells called autoreactive B cells cells stay in the body longer than they should. One of the important proteins for the growth of B cells is called B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS. BENLYSTA binds to BLyS and prevents it from stimulating B cells.

BENLYSTA is the #1 Prescribed
FDA-approved biologic for both
lupus and lupus nephritis.

Doctors have been prescribing
 BENLYSTA for more than 12 years now.

More than 85,000 people with lupus have been prescribed BENLYSTA.

Is BENLYSTA right for my treatment goals?

Find out more about BENLYSTA and learn what adding it to your treatment plan could mean.

Why BENLYSTA?

Understand your conditions and treatment options.

Learn more about lupus and lupus nephritis, and how they can affect your body.

Learn More