What is belimumab injection?
Belimumab is used with other medications to treat certain types of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs) in adults and children 5 years of age and older.
How much does belimumab cost?
Table 5CDR Cost Comparison Table of Treatments for Adults With SLE
| Drug/ comparator | Strength | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Belimumab (Benlysta) | 200 mg/mL | 421.7900a |
| 120 mg/5 mL 400 mg/20 mL Single-use vials | 293.5700b 978.5600b | |
| Antimalarial drugs | ||
| Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, generic) | 200 mg | 0.1576 |
How long does belimumab take to work?
Belimumab works by reducing the activity of a type of white blood cell called B-cells that produce the antibodies. This reduces the inflammation that causes the symptoms of lupus. It’s a long-term treatment, so it may be up to six months before you start to notice the benefits.
How is belimumab administered?
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION BENLYSTA may be administered as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection. Vials are intended for intravenous use only (not for subcutaneous use) and autoinjectors and prefilled syringes are intended for subcutaneous use only (not for intravenous use).
Is belimumab a steroid?
BENLYSTA (belimumab) is a biologic therapy Biologic therapy: A treatment derived from a living cell or tissue. , not a steroid Steroid: Treatment to reduce swelling, pain, and other symptoms of inflammation. .
Is belimumab a biologic?
The drug, belimumab, which was approved on March 9, 2011, by FDA, is the first ever targeted biological for the treatment of SLE patients with active, autoantibody-positive disease, who are already on standard therapy. [5] It has been developed by Human Genome Sciences Inc. in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline.
How do I get cheap Benlysta?
How do I get the discount? Ask your doctor to help you enroll in the program. There are further instructions on the program website, or you can call 1-877-423-6597 for assistance.
What is the best infusion for lupus?
BENLYSTA is a prescription medicine, given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously, for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) or active lupus nephritis on other lupus medicines. BENLYSTA IV is approved in children aged 5 years and older with SLE on other lupus medicines.
What if I miss a Benlysta injection?
BENLYSTA SC injections are to be taken once a week on the same day of the week. If you forget your injection, there are steps you can take to get back on track. dosing based on the new day injected. Be sure to talk to your doctor or contact BENLYSTA Cares at 1-833-223-6236.
How do you inject Benlysta?
Inject under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen) or thigh once a week on the same day each week. Only use each autoinjector once. Then dispose of it safely after use. Do not share your BENLYSTA autoinjector with other people.
Do Benlysta injections hurt?
If you are injecting in yourself do it very slowly with the prefill one but not the auto inject. The auto inject will release the med very fast and it’s very painful. I been using it for 5 years now. Still have a lot of joint pain but the fatigue, the brain fog and the other symptoms are much better.
Is belimumab a chemo drug?
Is BENLYSTA a chemotherapy? No, BENLYSTA is not chemotherapy – it’s a biologic therapy, delivered either through an IV infusion or as a self-injection. It works by reducing certain cells in your immune system that can make lupus active.
How long are patients on Benlysta for?
Conclusion: Belimumab added to standard therapy was generally well-tolerated over the 4-year treatment period in patients with SLE, which suggests that belimumab can be administered long term with an acceptable safety profile.
How much is BENLYSTA out of pocket?
The cost for Benlysta intravenous powder for injection 120 mg is around $621 for a supply of 1 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans….Intravenous Powder For Injection.
| Quantity | Per unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $621.08 | $621.08 |
How much does BENLYSTA cost per month?
Benlysta prices without insurance will vary depending on where you buy it and the amount you buy. As a guide, Benlysta intravenous powder for injection 120 mg usually costs $580 for 1 powder for injection. With NiceRx you will pay a flat monthly fee of $49, regardless of the retail price of your medication.
How many times does infusion therapy happen for lupus?
Patients are given a loading dose and will have medication three times every two weeks for three doses and then once every four weeks afterwards.
How long do you stay on BENLYSTA?
For SLE, your dose is 200 mg injected under your skin once per week. For lupus nephritis, your dose is 400 mg injected under your skin once per week for 4 weeks. (You’ll use either two prefilled syringes or two prefilled autoinjectors for each dose.) Then, you’ll take 200 mg each week going forward.
How will I feel after BENLYSTA infusion?
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).