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Benlysta (belimumab) Disease Interactions

There are 4 disease interactions with Benlysta (belimumab):

Major

Immunosuppressive agents (applies to Benlysta) infections

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Infection - Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving immunosuppressive agents. Patients receiving immunosuppressants are at increased risk of developing bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections, and new or reactivated viral infections including opportunistic infections. Caution should be exercised when considering their use in patients with severe or chronic infections. It is recommended to interrupt therapy in patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment and to monitor these patients closely for any sign or symptom indicative of infection.

Major

Immunosuppressive agents (applies to Benlysta) PML

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Immunodeficiency

Immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Certain agents are contraindicated in patients who have or have had PML. Patients receiving chronic immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory therapy or who have systemic medical conditions resulting in significantly compromised immune system function should not be treated with these agents. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for any new sign or symptom suggestive of PML. Withhold therapy dosing immediately and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML.

Moderate

Belimumab (applies to Benlysta) depression

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Psychiatric events have been reported with the use of belimumab. Caution is recommended when prescribing this agent to patients with serious depression or suicidal behavior, history of depression, or other serious psychiatric disorders. Patients receiving belimumab should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes while on belimumab.

Moderate

Belimumab (applies to Benlysta) vaccination

Moderate Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Live vaccines should not be given for 30 days before or concurrently with belimumab as clinical safety has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving belimumab or the effect of belimumab on new immunizations. Because of its mechanism of action, belimumab may interfere with the response to immunizations.

Benlysta (belimumab) drug interactions

There are 111 drug interactions with Benlysta (belimumab)

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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