Does Benlysta cause hair loss?
Although hair loss is not listed as a side effect in the product information for Benlysta, at least 3 people have reported hair loss as a side effect since the drug has been approved. The type of hair loss reported in these 3 people taking Benlysta was alopecia areata, symptoms include patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body, which is an autoimmune condition (like lupus). All 3 cases resolved but 2 out of 3 people stopped taking Benlysta.
References
Benlysta (belimumab). Updated 04/2024. FDA Package Insert. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/761043s027lbl.pdf
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What is the difference between Benlysta and Saphnelo?
Both Benlysta and Saphnelo are targeted treatments that may be used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in addition to standard therapy. But their approved indications, recommended target age groups, and the way they work, differ. They are the only two medicines to have been approved to treat SLE since the 1950s.
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What's the difference between Lupkynis and Benlysta?
Benlysta subcutaneous or intravenous injection is approved to treat adults and children 5 years of age and older with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation), while Lupkynis oral capsules are only approved to treat lupus nephritis in adults. Lupkynis has not yet been approved for use in children.
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Does Benlysta cause weight gain?
Although weight gain is not listed as a side effect of Benlysta in the product information, a phase IV clinical study that analyzed side effect information from 14,100 people who had taken Benlysta reported weight gain as a side effect for 2.87% of them (404 people). Continue reading
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Related medical questions
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Drug information
- Benlysta Information for Consumers
- Benlysta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Benlysta (detailed)
- Benlysta user reviews (65)
Related support groups
- Benlysta (14 questions, 34 members)
- Alopecia (65 questions, 138 members)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (50 questions, 342 members)