User:Mr. Ibrahem/Belimumab

Belimumab, sold under the brand name Benlysta, is a medication used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus nephritis. It is used in addition to other treatments, when those are not sufficient. It is given by injection into a vein or under the skin.

Common side effects include respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and shingles. Other side effects may include infusion reactions, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, depression, and anaphylaxis. It is a monoclonal antibody that attaches too and blocks B-cell activating factor (BAFF), shortening the lifespan of B lymphocytes.

Belimumab was approved for medical use in the United States and Europe in 2011. In the United Kingdom 400 mg costs the NHS about £405 as of 2021. This amount in the United States costs about 1,950 USD.