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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving belimumab (Benlysta)?

You should not use belimumab if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely receive belimumab, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• an active or chronic infection;
• a history of cancer; or
• a history of depression or mental illness.

You may have thoughts about suicide while receiving belimumab, especially if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether belimumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of belimumab on the baby.

It is not known whether belimumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using belimumab.

How is belimumab given (Benlysta)?

Belimumab is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Belimumab must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take about an hour to complete.

The first 3 doses of belimumab are given 2 weeks apart. Then the injections are given every 4 weeks. Your dosing schedule may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of belimumab.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.