IV Infusion

If you prefer the convenience of receiving BENLYSTA intravenous (IV) infusions, you can do so with the comfort of having a healthcare provider monitor you during and immediately after the infusion.

What to know about IV infusions

For people older than 5 years of age with lupus or active lupus nephritis, BENLYSTA can be given through IV infusion. When you are administered BENLYSTA by your healthcare provider, you’ll be monitored before, during, and immediately after the infusion.

Icon: Doctor's Office

Where it happens

You and your doctor will decide where you’ll receive your infusions: at the doctor’s office, an infusion center, or a hospital.

Icon: Clock

How long it takes

Infusions take approximately 1 hour, but preparation time before and observation time after the infusion may vary.

Icon: Schedule

How often it happens

For the first 3 infusions, BENLYSTA is given once every 2 weeks. After that, BENLYSTA is given once every 4 weeks.

Dosing schedule

Your doctor will help you schedule your IV infusions and determine your correct dose.

View Medication Guide
 

Lupus and lupus nephritis

Image: BENLYSTA Vial

DOSES 1-3

Once every
2 weeks

Image: BENLYSTA Vial

DOSES 4+

Once every
4 weeks

Fitting IV infusions into your routine

If scheduling IV infusions seems like a shift in your routine, keep in mind that the process will become more familiar as you go along. You’ll learn more about what to expect from the infusion, what to tell the doctor, nurse, or staff assisting you, and what to bring to help the time pass.

 

Image: Mother handing son a musical instrument

Schedule your first 3 infusions in advance to help establish a routine.

It’s important to adhere to your treatment schedule. Once you get your first 3 infusions on your calendar, it’ll be easier to incorporate your infusions into your routine. 

Your first IV infusion

If you have questions about your first infusion appointment, here are a few tips to help you prepare. Your doctor can answer questions about scheduling infusions and help you understand what to expect.

Before heading to your appointment, make sure you have what you need.

  • Something to help you pass the time during your infusion
  • A snack or something to drink, depending on what the doctor’s office or infusion center allows
  • A friend or family member to help you get home after your first appointment.

At the appointment, a healthcare provider will record basic health information. You may also be given an antihistamine before the infusion to help reduce your chance of having an allergic reaction.

How you spend your time during your infusion is up to you. The infusion can take about an hour, and though you’ll need to be mindful of the space you’re in, here are a few ideas to help you pass the time:

  • Bring a game, puzzle, movie, or book
  • Bring a friend to talk to
  • Eat a snack, depending on the doctor’s office or infusion center’s guidelines
  • Take time to relax, meditate, go through breathing exercises, or nap

You may feel some discomfort where the IV line was inserted, but this discomfort should go away within a few hours.

If you took an antihistamine, you may feel a little drowsy and want to rest after the appointment. Because of this, it may be helpful to have someone else drive you home, but you should be able to resume your usual activities later.

Contact a healthcare provider where you got your infusion if you don’t feel well or experience ongoing soreness or tenderness at the infusion site. 

The infusion experience

Get advice and tips from real BENLYSTA patients based on their own IV infusion experiences.

Show Transcript

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.

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

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
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.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
[BENLYSTA logo; BENLYSTA (belimumab) Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL]

The Infusion Experience

SUSAN: 
Of course, I was a little apprehensive at my first infusion.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Susan
Real patient compensated by GSK. Receiving BENLYSTA at the time of filming. Individual results may vary.

SUSAN:
But I had done my homework, so my biggest concern was if they’d be able to get my vein right away. Thankfully, they did.

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
BENLYSTA (belimumab) can be given by intravenous (IV) infusion, which typically takes place in your doctor’s office, at a hospital, or at an infusion center.
It takes about 1 hour to give you the full dose of BENLYSTA (belimumab). Preparation time before and observation time after the infusion may vary.
A healthcare professional will watch you closely while you are receiving BENLYSTA (belimumab) and after your infusion for signs of a reaction.

MICHELLE: 
Before they start the infusion, they’ll take your vitals and weight so they can calculate the right dosage just for you. 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Michelle
Real patient compensated by GSK. Receiving BENLYSTA at the time of filming.

MICHELLE:
Once they have the medicine ready, they will prep your arm and choose a vein. I know for me, the very first infusion, it was definitely a little nerve-wracking… The nurses walked me through everything, reassured me they were there, every step of the way. And I remember just looking up at that infusion bag and saying: “well this is it -- I really hope this helps.” 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Michelle
Individual results may vary. Serious allergic reactions can happen on the day of, or in the days after, receiving BENLYSTA and may cause death.

SUSAN:
I think sitting in the chair, when I started to receive my infusion for the first time, I was just – I was actually hopeful. I just had this incredible sense of hope that this might be the drug that would help me. 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Susan
Your healthcare professional may give you medicines before you receive BENLYSTA (belimumab) to help reduce your chance of having a reaction.
It is not known if these medications will help reduce the chance of an allergic reaction to BENLYSTA (belimumab). Individual results may vary.
Some premedications may cause drowsiness. If you feel drowsy, have someone drive you home.

MORGAN: 
During my first BENLYSTA infusion, I was certainly nervous. 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
Morgan
Real patient compensated by GSK. Receiving BENLYSTA at the time of filming.

MORGAN:
I remember it being cold and quiet in the infusion clinic. My mother was there with me – she’s always there helping me and coming along for the ride. Those poor nurses – I never stopped talking. 

MICHELLE:
The best thing is to think about this, as you know, an hour, an hour and a half of time, just for yourself. If you like to read, bring a book. If you’re someone who likes to knit or do things like that, bring something that is, you know, something you can do on your time…this is about you. 

MORGAN:
During my BENLYSTA infusions – it usually takes around an hour – and this time is usually spent for me. It’s my time. It’s my time to sit and reflect on things that are happening in my life. During my BENLYSTA infusions, I typically have snacks – of course, cuz you know, you sit there for long enough – and books to read. Obviously, I have – I like to chat. There’s a lot of other patients around usually in the clinic, so I’m able to converse with them. And that helps to pass that time. 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
It takes about an hour to receive an infusion of BENLYSTA (belimumab). Preparation time and observation time may vary.

NARRATOR: 
And now, important safety information about BENLYSTA. 

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
[BENLYSTA logo; 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.

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

ON-SCREEN TEXT:
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.

[BENLYSTA logo; 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 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. 

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)
Whether you are insured, underinsured, or insured, BENLYSTA Cares and our team at BENLYSTA Gateway may be able to help.

[GSK logo]
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
©2023 GSK or licensor.
BELVID230021 November 2023
Produced in USA.
[BENLYSTA logo; BENLYSTA (belimumab) Intravenous Use 120 mg/vial Subcutaneous Use 200 mg/mL]

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Questions about the IV infusion experience?
Call 1-877-4-BENLYSTA
(1-877-423-6597) Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM ET.

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