Benlysta (belimumab) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for lupus and kidney disease due to lupus in adults and some children. It’s given by self-injection or IV infusion. The dosage can vary depending on the condition being treated.

Benlysta is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called monoclonal antibodies. Specifically, it’s a type of monoclonal antibody called a B-lymphocyte stimulator-specific inhibitor.

Benlysta isn’t available in a biosimilar version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Benlysta, including its strengths and how the drug is given. For a comprehensive look at Benlysta, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Benlysta provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Benlysta dosage that’s right for you.

Read on to learn about Benlysta’s dosages.

Benlysta forms

Benlysta comes in two forms:

  • Powder that’s made into a liquid solution for IV infusion. This is given by your doctor or another health professional at your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a hospital.
  • Liquid solution in single-dose prefilled syringes and autoinjectors for subcutaneous injection. You’ll self-inject this form of Benlysta.

For details on how you’ll receive these forms of Benlysta, see the “How Benlysta is given” section below.

Benlysta strengths

Benlysta comes in the following strengths:

  • Powder that’s made into a liquid solution for IV infusion:
    • 120 milligrams (mg)
    • 400 mg
  • Liquid solution in single-dose prefilled syringes and autoinjectors for subcutaneous injection:
    • 200 mg per milliliter (mg/mL)

Typical dosages

Benlysta’s typical dosages depend on the drug form your doctor prescribes and the condition being treated. Your doctor may also prescribe a higher dosage at the start of treatment. This is a loading dose. It helps increase the amount of the drug in your body so the medication starts working faster.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for lupus

To treat lupus, your doctor may prescribe Benlysta as an IV infusion or subcutaneous injection.*

For Benlysta IV infusion, the typical dosage in adults is 10 mg per kilogram† of body weight (mg/kg) every 4 weeks. However, you’ll receive the drug more frequently at the start of treatment. This is your loading dose. You’ll have one infusion of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for the first three doses. Then, after your third dose, you’ll have one infusion every 4 weeks.

Your doctor will use a dosing calculator to determine your dosage for the infusion. For example, if you weigh 68 kg (about 150 pounds [lb]), you’ll receive 680 mg of Benlysta with each infusion.

For Benlysta subcutaneous injection, the typical dosage is 200 mg every week. To achieve this dosage, you’ll use one single-dose prefilled syringe or autoinjector (pen) every week.

Note: If your prescription changes from Benlysta IV infusions to subcutaneous injections, your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. You’ll receive your first injection between 1 and 4 weeks after your last IV infusion. Your doctor will determine the timing of your first injection.

* For infusion protocols and how to give injections, see the “How Benlysta is given” section below.
† For reference, 1 kg equals approximately 2.2 lb.

Dosage for kidney disease due to lupus

To treat kidney disease due to lupus, your doctor may prescribe Benlysta as an IV infusion or subcutaneous injection.

For Benlysta IV infusion, the typical dosage in adults is 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks. However, you’ll receive the drug more frequently at start of treatment. This is your loading dose. You’ll have one infusion of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for the first three doses. Then, after your third dose, you’ll have one infusion every 4 weeks.

Your doctor will use a dosing calculator to determine your dosage for the infusion. For example, if you weigh 68 kg (about 150 pounds [lb]), you’ll receive 680 mg of Benlysta with each infusion.

For Benlysta subcutaneous injection, the typical dosage is 200 mg every week. To achieve this dosage, you’ll use one single-dose prefilled syringe or autoinjector pen every week. However, you’ll start treatment with a loading dose.

The typical loading dose is 400 mg every week for the first four doses. To achieve this dosage, you’ll use two prefilled syringes or autoinjectors every week for the first four doses. After your fourth dose, you’ll inject 200 mg of Benlysta every week.

Note: If your prescription changes from Benlysta IV infusions to subcutaneous injections, your doctor will adjust your dosing schedule. You’ll receive your first injection between 1 and 4 weeks after your last IV infusion. Your doctor will determine the timing of your first injection.

Children’s dosage

Benlysta is used to treat lupus and kidney disease due to lupus in children ages 5 years and older. The typical dosage for Benlysta in children is 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks by IV infusion.

However, your child’s doctor will prescribe a loading dose at the start of treatment. Your child will have one infusion of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for the first three doses. After the third dose, they’ll have one infusion every 4 weeks.

Your child’s doctor will calculate your child’s dosage based on their body weight. For example, if your child weighs 25 kg (about 55 lb), they’ll receive 250 mg with each infusion.

Note: Benlysta subcutaneous injection is not approved for use in children.

Long-term treatment

Benlysta is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Benlysta is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely have long-term treatment.

If you have any questions about your Benlysta dosage, talk with your doctor.

The Benlysta dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Benlysta to treat
  • the form of Benlysta you’re prescribed
  • your body weight, which may change over time

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Benlysta dosage.

Benlysta is given by IV infusion or subcutaneous injection.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you the IV infusion of Benlysta. First, they’ll mix the powder form of Benlysta with a liquid to make a solution. Then, they’ll prepare the liquid solution for infusion. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a hospital to receive your infusion. The infusion takes about 1 hour.

With a subcutaneous injection, you’ll inject the medication under your skin. You’ll use the prefilled syringe or autoinjector to give yourself Benlysta. Your doctor will give you your first dose. Then, they’ll show you (or your caregiver) how to do it.

Note: To read detailed instructions about using Benlysta prefilled syringes and autoinjectors, see this medication guide.

To give yourself an injection at home, your doctor will advise you to:

  • Take the syringe or autoinjector out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you take your dose. This allows the drug to come to room temperature (68°F to 77°F [20°C to 25°C]).
  • Inspect the syringe or autoinjector to make sure the solution is clear and yellow. Do not use it if the solution is cloudy or has particles floating in it.
  • Inject the medication into your thigh or abdomen, avoiding the belly button area.
  • Choose a different site for each injection, such as another area of your thigh.
  • Avoid skin that’s tender, bruised, hard, or discolored.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about giving yourself Benlysta.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss your Benlysta IV infusion appointment, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible. They can reschedule your appointment. Your doctor will make any necessary adjustments to your schedule.

If you miss a subcutaneous injection, give the injection as soon as you remember. Then, you can either resume your regular schedule or start a new schedule 1 week after giving the missed dose. If you’re unsure about when to give your next dose of Benlysta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you self-inject Benlysta, it’s important that you do not give yourself more Benlysta than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose. (To learn about Benlysta’s side effects, see this article.)

If you give more than the recommended amount of Benlysta

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve given yourself too much Benlysta. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Benlysta for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. If you self-inject Benlysta, always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Benlysta without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Benlysta that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Benlysta. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Benlysta. For information about other aspects of Benlysta, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. Find out how Benlysta compares with Plaquenil and CellCept.
  • Details about your condition. To learn more about your condition, see our list of lupus and kidney disease articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.