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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How long does the infusion usually take? I start going to the hospital to my first one. I just want an estimate time.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX
February 11
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone preparing for their first Benlysta infusion, offering time estimates and reassurance before the big day. Many... Read more

Members rallied around someone preparing for their first Benlysta infusion, offering time estimates and reassurance before the big day. Many community members described the Benlysta infusion itself as taking about one hour, though total visit time often runs two to three hours when factoring in check-in, pharmacy mixing, and a post-infusion observation period. A recurring theme was that wait times can vary by clinic and how busy the pharmacy is, so planning for extra time helps reduce stress.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Benlysta infusion in my clinic takes 10-15 minutes to check in and set up the infusion stuff. Then it takes 15-30 minutes for the lab to mix the benlysta. The infusion takes exactly 60 minutes plus 5 minutes saline "wash."
Some meds are 30 minute infusion, some are several hours.

February 11
A MyLupusTeam Member

Benlysta is also available as a once a week self-given subcutaneous injection. The dose is prefilled and very easy to give. It offers a different option than the infusion and there is no travel or large time consumption. Discuss with your healthcare provider, pros and cons of IV versus subcutaneous injection. The options are individualized based on lab work, symptoms, individual preferences etc. 🌼

February 11
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member, many of us do infusions as part of our treatment plan to help calm our systems and lessen Lupus activity. I take Benlysta and it is a biologic drug. In addition I take imuran ( an immune-suppressing drug )and plaquenil (anti malaria).

February 12
A MyLupusTeam Member

Hey @A MyLupusTeam Member yes I did the self dose for 3 years. Now they want to change it to infusion. I’m not afraid of it girl I was just thinking of the timeframe. Thanks for your help though 😊😊

February 11
A MyLupusTeam Member

My infusion of Benlysta takes an hour then I sit for a bag of fluids which takes 30-40 mins.

February 11

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