Adalimumab
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Drug reference
Belimumab
Blys Inhibitor · Immunosuppressant; Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
Also known as BENLYSTA
Blys InhibitorImmunosuppressant; Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
- AdalimumabSevereDatabaseDDInter
- BaricitinibSevereDatabaseDDInter
- CertolizumabSevereDatabaseDDInter
- CladribineSevereDatabaseDDInter
Mechanism
Belimumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator protein (BLyS) from binding to B cells. This inhibition reduces the survival of B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes are involved in autoimmune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Indications
Adjunctive therapy in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus with a high degree of disease activity despite standard therapyTreatment of patients aged ">=5 years with SLEAdult active lupus nephritis on background standard of care (SOC) therapysystemic lupus erythematosuslupus nephritis
Dosing
- Adult
- BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 3 doses, then 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks. Review treatment if no response within 6 months. Alternatively, 200 mg SC weekly.
- Pediatric
- Patients aged ">=5 years: 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 3 doses, then 10 mg/kg every 4 weeks via intravenous infusion. Alternatively, 200 mg SC weekly.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Distribution half-life of 1.75 days; terminal half-life of 19.4 days
Contraindications
- Do not initiate until active infections controlled
- History or development of malignancy
- Predisposition to infection
Side effects
Common
DepressionDiarrhoeaFeverHypersensitivityIncreased risk of infectionInfusion related reactionLeucopeniaMigraineNauseaPain in extremityInsomniaincreased risk of infections
Serious
- Increased risk of serious psychiatric events
- Suicidal ideation or behaviour
- Self-injurious behaviour
- Angioedema
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Anaphylaxis
- Serious infection risk
- cases of pml have been reported
Drug interactions
Baricitinib
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: others
Source: DDInter
Certolizumab
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Cladribine
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Clozapine
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Etanercept
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Fingolimod
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Golimumab
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Infliximab
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy
Source: DDInter
Leflunomide
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: synergy.
Source: DDInter
Measles Virus Vaccine Live Attenuated
Severe
Database
Drug interaction classified as: others
Source: DDInter
Mumps Virus Strain B Level Jeryl Lynn Live Antigen
Severe
Database
Clinical effect not specified
Source: DDInter
Related guidelines
Ask House about Belimumab
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team