This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- autoimmune disorder
- kidney disease
Brand Name(s): Benlysta
Generic Name: Belimumab
Instructions
This medicine is injected into the skin. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where on your body this medicine can be injected and how to inject it.
The liquid should be clear or light yellow.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Do not shake the medicine before using.
Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.
Do not return the medicine to the refrigerator after you start using it.
Discard unused medicine after 12 hours at room temperature.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Discard any remaining medicine after your dose is given.
Avoid injecting the medicine within 2 inches around the navel.
Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen or itchy.
Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.
Do not rub or massage the area where the injection was given.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not use more than 1 dose each week.
Cautions
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
After being on this medication, speak with your doctor about any new, unusual or strong thoughts or feelings.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- diarrhea
- nausea
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- loss of balance
- chest pain
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- cough that does not go away
- depression or feeling sad
- fever or chills
- shortness of breath
- suicidal thoughts
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blurring or changes of vision
- weight loss
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about BELIMUMAB - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.