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ON-SCREEN TEXT:
BENLYSTA (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
Nadine
Real BENLYSTA Patient
Compensated by GSK
NARRATOR:
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA is not for people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
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
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA is not for people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
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
NADINE:
My name is Nadine. I'm 36 years old, and I live in Florida. Family, fitness, and just being with my dogs is pretty much my life. Fitness has really been my focus though. I live a mile and a half from the beach, so I go every now and then, usually with my fitness family. But my favorite thing to do is laugh. Humor is what has gotten me this far.
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Real BENLYSTA patient compensated by GSK.
NADINE:
I was first diagnosed with lupus when I was 21. I was at work one day when I started noticing symptoms. My hands were swelling. They were red and hurt a lot. I had never experienced pain like this, so I went directly to the ER for help. Later on, it happened again and I went back to the ER. This time I had the butterfly rash on my face. The ER doctor suggested I see my own doctor and consider getting tested for lupus.
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Nadine’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.
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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 Nadine noticed:
Pain in her hands and butterfly rash on her face
NADINE:
I went to a rheumatologist and my test levels clearly pointed to lupus. I asked my doctor to give me medicine for the pain so I could get back to my life. I cried a lot in those days because I had never experienced pain like that. But crying didn't make me feel better; it actually stressed my body more. Getting upset just seemed to make everything worse. I told myself I had to find a different way to handle the pain. I decided I had to laugh through it. Laughing has always been my way of overcoming challenges and tough times. When I was a kid, I was bullied for being overweight but I just laughed through it. I told myself that's how I got through school and that's how I'm going to get through this.
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Nadine’s Tip
Laugh through the pain.
NADINE:
My primary doctor gave me a steroid for the pain. I didn't know what it was. She told me that it could lead to weight gain. That was frustrating to hear because I had just lost 40 pounds, but I was determined not to let lupus hold me back, so I took the steroid and it helped. I was able to function again and keep moving. But then the water weight came on. I tried to work out more, but I was also having a lot of severe flares that often put me in the hospital. I couldn't work out the way I used to. I started needing to take time away from my job. Still, I was determined to keep going.
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Lupus began to hold Nadine back
NADINE:
I had lupus for four to five years before I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis. During one of my hospital visits, my 24-hour urine test showed a lot of protein in my urine. My doctor wanted to do a biopsy because she said my lupus might be affecting my kidneys. It occurred to me that I wasn't urinating as frequently and my urine was a lot darker and had a strong smell. I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis. The swelling became more intense over much of my body. What swelled most and hurt the most were my feet. It was excruciating. And this was on top of the joint pain I was already having. To move around I had to use a walker at home. I used a cane, a scooter, and even a wheelchair when I was out and about.
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Nadine’s diagnosis
Lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation) occurs when lupus causes the immune system to attack and inflame the kidneys
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What Nadine noticed:
Changes in urination and swelling over much of her body
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Lupus nephritis symptoms include weight gain, swelling, increase in urination (especially at night), blood and foamy appearance in the urine, and high blood pressure
NADINE:
After my lupus nephritis diagnosis, I finally broke down and cried. I have had a lot of medical challenges throughout my life, but never cried. But when I found out I had kidney disease, I felt like this is it, I'm dying now.
NADINE:
I suffered for two to three years with lupus nephritis, and then I just couldn't take it anymore. It seemed like nothing was working so I asked my doctor for something different, something more. Then he told me about BENLYSTA. I had heard about BENLYSTA from my family. My aunt actually sent my mom an article about it. It was from an online journal and talked about BENLYSTA and how it could help people with lupus. I remember that article, so when my doctor mentioned it, I was ready to try it.
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Nadine’s Tip
If you don’t feel your medicines are working, ask your doctor for something different… something more.
BENLYSTA is an add-on therapy. Results may vary.
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Nadine’s doctor added BENLYSTA.
BENLYSTA is an add-on therapy. Results may vary.
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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.
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.
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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.
NADINE:
After almost a year of being on BENLYSTA, I started to feel some relief. Tests started showing that I was responding to BENLYSTA and it was helping to reduce my disease activity. The number of severe lupus flares that would have sent me to the hospital started going down.
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This is Nadine’s experience. Yours may vary.
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BENLYSTA may also help reduce the number of severe lupus flares you are having.
NARRATOR:
In three clinical studies of adult patients with active lupus, BENLYSTA significantly reduced lupus disease activity, mainly related to improvement 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 dose 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.
NADINE:
Because BENLYSTA was helping, my doctor said we could reduce my steroid dose. It was hard to believe because I had been on steroids every single day for nearly eight years straight.
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BENLYSTA may make it possible for your healthcare provider to reduce your steroid dose.
This is Nadine’s experience. Yours 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 the need for rescue medicines, and significantly reduced risk of kidney worsening.
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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.
NADINE:
To stay a step ahead of lupus, you have to stay focused. Go to your doctor's appointments, take your medication. Seriously, take it. It can be hard to remember, but you need to take all of your medications. I never forget to take my BENLYSTA shot. It's too important. I take it on Friday night, right before I go to bed. So it’s the last thing I do for the week. It's also important to move and stay as active as you can and fuel your body with good stuff. Be positive and stay around positive people.
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Nadine’s Tip
Stay a step ahead of lupus.
NADINE:
If your doctor thinks BENLYSTA could help, I would recommend it. Ultimately you have to make the choice for yourself. And I would say, listen to your intuition and your body. Not every medication is going to work the same for everyone. In my case, BENLYSTA made such a difference for me.
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Nadine’s Tip
Listen to your body.
NADINE:
If I could say one thing to lupus, I'd say, give me a break and get off my back. I didn't ask for you to come here. Just leave me alone. And that is the nicest way to say it. If I could say one thing to another lupus warrior, find a doctor who listens. You should never feel shy or uncomfortable about talking to your doctor about your treatment.
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Nadine’s most important advice
Advocate for yourself and your care.
NADINE:
If you have lupus or lupus nephritis, and you're not seeing the results you hope for from your current medications, ask your doctor if BENLYSTA is right for you.
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Ask your doctor about BENLYSTA.
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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 for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA is not for people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
ON-SCREEN TEXT:
BENLYSTA (belimumab)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
What is BENLYSTA?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA is not for people with severe active central nervous system lupus.
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
IImmunosuppressive 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)
Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial
Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL
For US audiences only.
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
©2023 GSK or licensor.
BELVID230016 November 2023
Produced in USA.
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