Drugs Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Belimumab
Belonging to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies, belimumab is a medication prescribed to treat lupus. This drug comes in the form of an intravenous (IV) infusion that is given by your healthcare provider every two weeks for the first three doses and then once a month. Though generally well tolerated, side effects are possible and may include things like fever, nausea, and diarrhea.
Belimumab (Benlysta®) is a prescription medication approved to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It belongs to a group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies.
(Click What Is Belimumab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, belimumab can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the common side effects seen with belimumab include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Common cold symptoms.
(Click Belimumab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD