SLE- Benlysta DI

Question 1

Belimumab brand name

Answer 1

Benlysta

Question 2

Benlysta drug class

Answer 2

B-lymphocyte stimulator antagonist

Question 3

Benlysta MoA

Answer 3

Activates and stimulates proliferation, prevents normal apoptosis of B cells

Question 4

Benlysta dosing

Answer 4

IV infusion qmonth for patients 5+
SQ self-injection for adults only

Question 5

Benlysta ADEs

Answer 5

Nausea, diarrhea, allergic reaction, infusion reactions, depression, suicidality/CNS side effects, PML

Question 6

Signs of PML

Answer 6

New onset change in gait, speech, ocular disturbances, acute deterioration, cognition, and seizures

Question 7

Use Benlysta with caution with what?

Answer 7

Live vaccines (become less effective)

Question 8

Don’t use Benlysta with what?

Answer 8

Other MAbs and biologics because of additional risks of toxicities and infections

Question 9

Benlysta: when to use it

Answer 9

Have to use in combo with an immunosuppressant (AZA, MMF) in NON-ACTIVE-CNS, AUTOANTIBODY POSITIVE SLE

Musculoskeletal or cutaneous disease unresponsive to HCQ/NSAID/steroid combo

LN for Class III, IV, V

Question 10

Don’t use Benlysta in what?

Answer 10

Patient with dementia or psychosis

Question 11

Benlysta onset of action

Answer 11

2-4 months

Question 12

What can Benlysta help to decrease?

Answer 12

Steroid doses