Belimumab (By injection)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to belimumab.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least 1 hour.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Some medicines can affect how belimumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using cyclophosphamide.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to any medicine or have any kind of infection, a weak immune system, or a history of cancer, depression, or mental illness. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had an infection that would not go away or kept coming back.
Women must use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- A brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Increased risk for certain types of cancer
- Infusion reaction
This medicine may make it easier for you to get an infection. Take precautions to prevent illness. Avoid people who are ill. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, pain or burning when you urinate
Chest pain or trouble breathing
Confusion, memory loss, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, severe headache
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Last Updated: 1/27/2017