Anti-BLyS Monoclonal Antibody (B-cell Inhibitor) Pregnancy: C

Belimumab

Brand names: Benlysta

Adult dose

Dose: 10 mg/kg IV at weeks 0, 2, 4 then every 4 weeks; or 200 mg SC once weekly

Route: IV infusion or subcutaneous

Frequency: Monthly (IV) or weekly (SC)

Max: 200 mg/week SC or 10 mg/kg/month IV

IV infused over 1 hour; assess clinical response at 6 months — discontinue if no improvement; licensed for SLE

Dose: 10 mg/kg

Route: IV

Frequency: every 4 weeks

Max: 10 mg/kg

Concentration: 120 mg/mL or 200 mg/mL (SC); 120 mg or 400 mg vials (IV) mg/ml

Licensed ≥5 years for paediatric SLE (IV form only); same dosing as adults

Renal

No dose adjustment required

Hepatic

No dose adjustment required

Paediatric weight-based calculator

Patient weight (kg)

Licensed ≥5 years for paediatric SLE (IV form only); same dosing as adults

First biologic licensed specifically for SLE in 50+ years
BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 trials: reduced SLE flares and reduced steroid use
Monitor mental health — depression/suicidality signal in clinical trials; assess at each visit

Reference: BNFc; BNF 86; NICE TA397; BLISS trials. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways