Show Transcript
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Benlysta (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
00:60
Elijah
Real BENLYSTA Patient
Compensated by GSK
Real patient compensated by GSK.
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/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:
Benlysta (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
00:57
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.
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:
Benlysta (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
00:12
Important Safety Information
Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.
Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, at BENLYSTA.com.
ELIJAH:
Hi, my name is Elijah, but people call me “Tiger.” I'm 30 years old and I live in New York. I live with my three cats and my dog, and I'm a big family person. I think of myself as a free spirit. I like to try new things. I get bored pretty quick. I love riding motorcycles so you may see me out for a ride.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Real BENLYSTA patient compensated by GSK.
ELIJAH:
I was diagnosed with lupus when I was in high school. By then, I had already lost my mom who passed away from complications of lupus. So I knew what this disease could do to you physically and emotionally. And what a diagnosis could ultimately mean for me, my family, and my future.
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Elijah’s diagnosis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s healthy tissues.
ELIJAH:
It took me a while to get diagnosed. At first, I didn't have the typical symptoms. I was having heart problems and went to the hospital. That led to more testing. I went to several doctors. After a few months, I began having more common lupus symptoms like a red rash, the butterfly rash, and hair loss.
When I told my doctors that I had lost my mom to lupus, they started to run tests and that's how I was diagnosed with lupus. I was petrified and my family was crushed and scared. Everyone wanted to take care of me. I think they thought I was going to die. My dad was especially overprotective because of what happened of my mom.
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Symptom
A change a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition and which may not be visible to themselves or others
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What Elijah noticed:
Butterfly rash on his face
ELIJAH:
My doctor prescribed steroids and I had a heart monitor. I had doctor's appointments maybe twice a week for at least a couple of years. I was seeing a cardiologist and a rheumatologist. The steroids caused a lot of swelling and water weight gain. I got noticeable stress marks on much of my body that looked like tiger stripes. That's how I got the nickname “Tiger.” I started to slow down.
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For many people with lupus, one of the first treatment options is corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation.
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Lupus caused Elijah to slow down
ELIJAH:
I was in a serious relationship that got complicated. I had a new job, but then I really couldn't work much. Everything was really good. But after I got diagnosed, things really changed.
Then, one day I started having pain in my lower back. I went to the bathroom and there was blood in my urine. It wasn't completely red, but it was pinkish. I went to the doctor for blood work and he found creatinine and protein in my urine. I had a kidney biopsy and it showed scar tissue on my kidneys.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah’s lupus changed
What Elijah noticed:
Lower back pain and blood in urine
ELIJAH:
I knew there was a kidney disease associated with lupus, but I didn't know anything about it until I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah’s diagnosis
Lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation) occurs when lupus causes the immune system to attack and inflame the kidneys
ELIJAH:
At this time, I felt like my doctors weren't even listening to me. They weren't taking into account my symptoms, my blood work, and how I was feeling all together.
Then, I found a doctor who changed my life. He wanted to reduce the steroids and try something different.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah’s Tip
Don’t settle—find the doctor who listens and considers your symptoms and test results together.
NARRATOR:
Have you been diagnosed with lupus and or lupus nephritis? Are you currently taking medications to treat your lupus and or lupus nephritis? Are you still experiencing symptoms and flares? If you answered yes, ask your doctor about adding BENLYSTA.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
MANAGING YOUR LUPUS STARTS WITH YOU
1. Have you been diagnosed with lupus and/or lupus nephritis?
2. Are you currently taking medications to treat your lupus and/or lupus nephritis?
3. Are you still experiencing symptoms and flares?
If you answered yes, ask your doctor about adding BENLYSTA.
ELIJAH:
My new doctor told me about BENLYSTA and a new clinical trial for people with lupus nephritis. The doctor was hopeful that BENLYSTA would help get my lupus nephritis under control, help manage other lupus symptoms and help me to reduce the amount of steroids I needed over time.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah took action. His doctor added BENLYSTA.
BENLYSTA is an add-on therapy. Results may vary.
ELIJAH:
I saw being a part of the trial as a chance to help myself and other people. Because if I can help someone, I will, especially when it comes to fighting for other patients with lupus nephritis.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
BENLYSTA is not a steroid. When it’s added to your current treatment plan, it can help reduce your symptoms and flares related to lupus.
ELIJAH:
We need all the people who can fight. I thought about my mom too. I wonder if a clinical trial like this might have helped her. I've always strived to do what I felt would make my mom proud, because that was the way she raised me. Even the short amount of time I had with her shaped me into the person I am today. So I decided to be part of the trial. BENLYSTA has been helping and unless the doctor says there's no other reason for me to be on it, I have no reason to stop taking it. I'm fighting lupus for the long term, and I can take BENLYSTA to help me keep up the fight.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
This is Elijah’s experience. Yours may vary.
NARRATOR:
In three clinical studies of adult patients with active lupus, BENLYSTA:
- Significantly reduced lupus disease activity mainly related to improvements in the immune system, muscles, joints, and skin.
- Significantly reduced risk of severe flares in two of the three studies.
- And Reduced steroid dose by 25% or more during weeks 40 through 52 in patients receiving 7.5 milligrams or higher daily dose of steroid at the start of the studies.
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LUPUS
In three clinical studies of adult patients with active lupus, BENLYSTA*:
- Significantly reduced lupus disease activity mainly related to improvements in the immune system, muscles, joints, and skin.†
- Significantly reduced risk of severe flares in two of the three studies.†
- Reduced steroid dose by 25% or more (to a daily dose of 7.5 mg or less) during Weeks 40-52, in patients receiving 7.5 mg or higher daily doses of steroid at the start of the studies.†‡
*These studies were used in the FDA approval of BENLYSTA.
†Compared to other lupus medicines alone.
‡A reduction of steroid dose was seen but was not statistically significant.
Results may vary.
NARRATOR:
In a two-year clinical study of adult patients with active lupus nephritis, BENLYSTA:
- Significantly reduced kidney disease activity with maintained kidney function, reduced protein in the urine, and reduced need for rescue medicines.
- And significantly reduce risk of kidney worsening.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
LUPUS NEPHRITIS
In a 2-year clinical study of adult patients with active lupus nephritis, BENLYSTA:
- Significantly reduced kidney disease activity with maintained kidney function, reduced protein in the urine, and reduced need for rescue medicines.*†
- Significantly reduced risk of kidney worsening.*
*Compared to other lupus medicines alone.
†Rescue medicines such as steroids greater than 10 mg/day.
Results may vary.
ELIJAH:
If there's one thing I would've done differently, it would be to do more research on lupus symptoms. I think my fear kept me away because I felt like the more I knew about it, the less quality of life I would have.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah’s Tip
Don’t be afraid to do research.
ELIJAH:
I also wish I had known more about what to look for in a doctor. I needed a doctor who would go beyond treating me based on bloodwork alone. When I found one, it made all the difference.
With any sort of lupus treatment, I would say sometimes the quick fix isn't the best fix because it could just be covering something more serious. There are so many layers to lupus. It's a very sneaky disease. I think that's why they call it wolf's disease. So, be patient and try not to add stress by focusing on how fast the treatment is working, because the stress might make you feel worse. Some things may not work for you and other things will. Still, I stay in contact with my doctor and I let him know what I'm feeling and experiencing so we can make adjustments if needed.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Elijah’s Tip
Be patient and communicate with your doctor.
ELIJAH:
If I could speak directly to lupus, I'd honestly laugh and I'd say, “I'm winning. Look at how much you're trying to hold me back and look at how much I keep taking these steps to beat you. Lupus, you should give up because now there's a whole army fighting against you.” And if I could speak to another lupus warrior, I would say, "Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about your treatment. If you have lupus or lupus nephritis, and it's still active with your current medications, ask your doctor if BENLYSTA is right for you.”
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Ask your doctor about BENLYSTA.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
For financial assistance information, visit the Savings & Support tab of BENLYSTA.com.
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/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:
Benlysta (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
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.
NARRATOR:
Important Safety Information
Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.
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 any 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 into 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.
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:
Important Safety Information
Do not use BENLYSTA if you are allergic to belimumab or any ingredients in BENLYSTA.
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 any 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 into 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.
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:
Benlysta
(belimumab)
GSK
For US audiences only.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
©2024 GSK or licensor.
PMUS-BELVID240016 July 2024
Produced in USA.
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