See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Benlysta Infusion treatments.
Benlysta is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:
- Patients aged 5 years and older with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.
- Patients aged 5 years and older with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy.
What is Benlysta?
Benlysta (belimumab) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion to treat lupus.
How Benlysta Works
People with lupus have white blood cells called autoreactive B cells (cells that react against the body) that stay in the body longer than they should. One important protein that contributes to the growth of these B cells is the B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS).
Benlysta works by binding to BLyS so it can no longer bind to and stimulate the autoreactive B cells.
Benlysta Infusion Dosage & Administration
Patients receive belimumab intravenously. Treatment time for a Benlysta infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts roughly 60 minutes.
Dosage and Frequency
Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of belimumab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment.
Benlysta treatments are given every two weeks for the first three infusions and then once every four weeks after the first three treatments.
Administering Benlysta via IV Infusion
- The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle.
- Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape.
- The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication.
Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.
Benlysta Side Effects
Benlysta Infusion Side Effects
As with all medications, side effects are possible.
The most common side effects are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Trouble sleeping
- Leg or arm pain
- Depression
- Headache
- Redness, itching, or swelling at IV site
Additional rarer side effects include:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Cancer
- Serious infections
- Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions
- Mental health problems and suicide
While receiving Benlysta, or following a treatment, symptoms can be addressed with the appropriate medication (such as acetaminophen, steroids, antihistamines, or epinephrine).
To decrease the likelihood of the patient experiencing another reaction, he or she may be advised to take certain medications before the next IV infusion treatment with belimumab.
Preparing for Your Benlysta Infusion
Follow these steps to prepare for your Benlysta Infusion:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
- Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Pre-Infusion Medications
- Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Benlysta Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
- Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.
Prepare for Comfort
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
- Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.
Plan for Transportation
- Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Benlysta Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.
How to Get a Referral for Benlysta
Every Benlysta Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.
Patient information should include:
- Name
- Current address
- Home and mobile phone number
- Insurance information
Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:
- Patient’s name and DOB
- Order date
- Diagnosis
- Physician’s name and NPI#
- Office address, phone, and fax numbers
- Provider’s signature
Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:
- Patients aged 5 years and older with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are receiving standard therapy.
- Patients aged 5 years and older with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy.
If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Benlysta treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.
Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Benlysta treatments because:
- ALL private suites
- Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
- Evening & weekend appointments
- Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
- Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
Interested?
IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.
