Great question about Saphnelo (anifrolumab) and surgery. While specific guidance on anifrolumab isn't available here, the general principles for lupus biologics and surgery are very similar and worth knowing.
Since anifrolumab works by suppressing the immune system, stopping it before surgery is typically recommended to Show Full Answer
Great question about Saphnelo (anifrolumab) and surgery. While specific guidance on anifrolumab isn't available here, the general principles for lupus biologics and surgery are very similar and worth knowing.
Since anifrolumab works by suppressing the immune system, stopping it before surgery is typically recommended to reduce the risk of infection and support proper healing. Always check with your rheumatologist well in advance of any planned procedure.
Here are key precautions to discuss with your care team:
- Timing: Ask your rheumatologist how far in advance you should pause anifrolumab before surgery
- Infection risk: Immunosuppressants like anifrolumab can slow healing and raise infection risk
- Flare risk: Stopping your biologic may cause lupus symptoms to return — have a plan ready
- Restarting: Confirm with your rheumatologist when it's safe to resume treatment after recovery
- Full medication review: Make sure your entire surgical team knows about all your lupus medications
A MyLupusTeam member shared a similar experience when stopping belimumab (another biologic) before surgery: lupus symptoms came back and caused significant pain during the break in treatment.
The takeaway — don't stop anifrolumab without guidance, but do plan ahead with your rheumatologist before any surgery. 💙
May 12
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