The injections are working well for me. I just got my labs done and my kidney function remains stable. My energy improved, too, but I still need to rest between activities.
May 25
Great that your rheumatologist is exploring options with you! Benlysta (belimumab) is actually the first drug specifically approved by the FDA to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. It's a biologic medication, meaning it's derived from a living organism.
It comes in two forms:
- IV infusion – Show Full Answer
Great that your rheumatologist is exploring options with you! Benlysta (belimumab) is actually the first drug specifically approved by the FDA to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. It's a biologic medication, meaning it's derived from a living organism.
It comes in two forms:
- IV infusion – given at a medical facility, less frequent, higher dose
- Subcutaneous injection – self-administered at home with an autoinjector pen, taken more frequently Experiences from MyLupusTeam members are pretty mixed, which is worth knowing going in. Some members have reported increased fatigue after infusions or injections, while others have seen real improvements in skin, joints, and overall well-being.
One MyLupusTeam member shared that while the injections caused fatigue, they started having more good days with positive skin and joint changes. Another said they didn't notice side effects or results after switching to injections.
The bottom line? It works differently for everyone. A few things to keep in mind:
- Always tell your doctor if side effects feel unmanageable
- Never stop Benlysta without talking to your doctor first — stopping suddenly can trigger a lupus flare
- If you do need to stop, tapering slowly is generally considered the safer approach
May 25
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