Benlysta (Belimumab) Injection

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
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  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Benlysta (Belimumab) is a human monoclonal antibody medication developed to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. The drug works by blocking B-cell activating factor (BAFF), also known as B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), which is involved in autoimmune diseases like lupus. By targeting and neutralizing BAFF, Benlysta helps reduce the symptoms and severity of lupus.

Fact Table

Formula

C6358H9904N1728O2010S44

License

US DailyMed, EU EMA

Bioavailability

74-82%

Legal status

Rx-Only

Chemical Name

Belimumab

Elimination half-life

1.8 days and 19.4 days

Dosage (Strength)

120mg/vial, 400mg/vial

Pregnancy

Consult a healthcare provider for advice - might affect the baby's immune system

Brands

Benlysta

Protein binding

Unknown

PubChem CID

Not Assigned

MedlinePlus

a611027

ChEBI

Not Assigned

ATC code

L04AA26

DrugBank

DB08879

KEGG

D03068

Routes of administration

Intravenous, subcutaneous

Directions

Benlysta is administered through IV infusions or subcutaneous injections, depending on the prescribed form. Before using Benlysta, it’s important to receive proper training from a healthcare provider on the correct way to use the autoinjector for the subcutaneous form of the drug.

The standard dosage for the IV infusion form of Benlysta is a 10 mg/kg dose every 2 weeks for the first three doses, and then every 4 weeks thereafter. For the subcutaneous form, the standard dosage is 200 mg injected once per week. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions to ensure the proper Benlysta dosing schedule.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Benlysta is Belimumab. In addition to the active ingredient, Benlysta contains various inactive ingredients, such as citric acid, polysorbate 80, sodium citrate, and sucrose.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using Benlysta if any of the following apply:

  • This medication has not been evaluated in patients with severe active central nervous system lupus and thus may not be safe or effective in such cases.
  • The use of Benlysta in combination with other biologic therapies is not recommended, as it has not been studied in these situations.
  • Using this medication in patients with a known hypersensitivity can cause serious adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Cautions

  • Before starting Benlysta, inform your doctor about:
    • Any medications you take, especially other biologics, as their combined use is not recommended.
    • Pre-existing medical conditions, such as severe active central nervous system lupus, as Benlysta has not been evaluated for these situations.
    • If you have experienced allergic reactions to any medications.
  • Benlysta has been linked to serious and occasionally fatal infections due to its immunosuppressive nature. Use with caution if you have a history of chronic or severe infections, and report any new infections that occur during treatment.
  • Be vigilant for new, changing, or worsening neurological symptoms, which may signal progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). If PML is diagnosed, Benlysta and other immunosuppressive drugs should be stopped immediately.
  • Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible. Seek emergency help if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction develop.
  • Depression and thoughts of suicide have been reported. Have a mental health assessment before starting Benlysta and maintain regular checks for any mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts during therapy.
  • Live vaccines are not recommended with Benlysta. Ensure a complete vaccine history is provided to your healthcare provider and discuss any upcoming vaccinations.

Side Effects

Benlysta can cause a variety of side effects. Some common Benlysta side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fever, cough, headaches, insomnia, depression, and arm or leg pain. In addition, some people may experience pain, redness, or swelling around the area of injection.

Benlysta can also cause more serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention. Examples include symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling in the face or throat, trouble breathing, and rash. If you or someone you know is taking Benlysta and experiences any of these severe side effects, seek medical help promptly.

References:

  1. Benlysta (Belimumab) Product Monograph. Durham, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2023.
  2. Benlysta (Belimumab) Drug Label Information. Durham, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2023.



IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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