Benlysta and Lupkynis differ in their dosage forms, approved uses and treatment populations. Benlysta injection is approved to treat adults and children 5 years of age and older with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (lupus-related kidney inflammation), while Lupkynis oral capsules are only approved to treat lupus nephritis in adults. Lupkynis is not approved for use in children.

The effectiveness of Benlysta has not been studied in patients with severe active central nervous system (CNS) lupus and is not recommended in these situations.

The safety and efficacy of Lupkynis have not been shown when used in combination with a drug called cyclophosphamide and its use is not recommended in this situation.

How is Benlysta or Lupkynis given?

Benlysta is given as an injection into a vein or under the skin and Lupkynis is given as an oral capsule you take by mouth.

Benlysta

Benlysta can be given by injection into a vein (intravenous or IV) or just under the skin (subcutaneous) for adults and children 5 years and older for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus nephritis, while receiving other standard treatments.

Intravenous (IV)

The IV infusion is given by a healthcare provider over a one hour period, usually in a clinic or doctor's office. You may receive medicines before your treatment to help prevent infusion-related reactions and allergic reactions.

Your doctor will tell you how often you will receive the medicine.

Subcutaneous: Autoinjector pen or syringe

Benlysta also comes as a single-dose autoinjector pen or prefilled syringe for subcutaneous use only. It is injected into your stomach (abdomen) or thigh area. An autoinjector is often shaped like a pen and allows people easier self-administer injections. Your doctor will tell you how often to use the medicine, which is given once a week or once every 2 weeks.

The subcutaneous forms (autoinjector or syringe) can be given at home or during travel after training from a healthcare professional. The prefilled syringe is for use only in adults (18 years and older). Adults or children 5 years and older can receive medicine from the subcutaneous autoinjector, but for children less than 10 years of age, Benlysta must be given by a healthcare provider or a trained caregiver.

The subcutaneous autoinjector is approved for use in children 5 years and older for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis and the dose is based on weight. This allows for children to be treated at home after caregiver training, when appropriate.

Your healthcare provider will also review the signs and symptoms of possible allergic reactions during training so that you can recognize them.

You can learn more about these possible allergic reaction symptoms at "Can Benlysta cause an allergic reaction?"

Lupkynis

Oral capsule

Lupkynis comes as an oral capsule that you take by mouth twice a day for lupus nephritis. The capsule is swallowed whole on an empty stomach (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Do not break, crush, chew or dissolve capsules before swallowing. If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, tell your healthcare provider.

Take your medicine as close as you can to 12 hours apart, with at least 8 hours between doses. If you miss a dose of Lupkynis, take it as soon as possible within 4 hours after missing the dose. If more than 4 hours has passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Lupkynis. In addition, Lupkynis should NOT be taken with a medicine called cyclophosphamide.

If you take too much Lupkynis, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Are Lupkynis or Benlysta steroids? How do they work?

No, Benlysta (belimumab) and Lupkynis (voclosporin) are not steroid treatments, but they both work in the immune system to help lower inflammation and symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis.

Benlysta is a biologic treatment and is classified as a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibitor. A biologic is a large, complex molecule that is produced using specialized technology. Benlysta works by inhibiting the survival of B cells (a type of white blood cell) in the immune system. In lupus, B-cells are overactive and produce harmful autoantibodies that attack healthy tissue. This helps to control an overactive immune system, improving symptoms like fatigue, and reducing disease flares associated with SLE and lupus nephritis.

Lupkynis is an immunosuppressant classified as a calcineurin-inhibitor. It blocks a part of the immune system to help to control lupus nephritis and protect the kidneys from inflammation and permanent damage. It helps to calm overactive cells in your immune system that may attack the kidney. Lupkynis targets the T cells in the immune system, a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation.

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When were these drugs first approved?

Benlysta was first approved in March 2011 to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults.

• In 2019, the FDA first approved Benlysta for intravenous (IV) use in children 5 years and older with SLE.
• In 2020 and 2022, the FDA cleared this medicine for adults and children with lupus nephritis, respectively.
• In 2024, the FDA okayed the autoinjector subcutaneous dosage form of Benlysta for children with SLE, and in 2025, the autoinjector subcutaneous dosage form was cleared for lupus nephritis.
• The subcutaneous syringe dosage form has only been studied for use in adults.
• Benlysta is manufactured by GSK.

Lupkynis was first approved in January 2022 for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN).

• It is not yet approved for use in children.
• Lupkynis is made by Aurinia Pharmaceuticals.

Does Benlysta or Lupkynis cause hair loss?

Yes, Lupkynis has been associated with hair loss. According to the manufacturer, hair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect due to this medicine. Hair loss is not listed as a side effect for Benlysta.

In studies of patients receiving 23.7 mg of Lupkynis twice a day, 6% of patients experienced hair loss while 3% of those receiving a placebo (an inactive treatment) had hair loss.

It is important to note that that hair loss itself can be a symptom of lupus disease.

How do the side effects compare between Benlysta and Lupkynis?

Benlysta and Lupkynis have a few similar side effects, but most of their side effects are different.

Common side effects that occur with both Benlysta and Lupkynis include:

• headache with Lupkynis
• migraine with Benlysta
• diarrhea

Other common side effects with Benlysta are:

• nausea
• fever
• stuffy or runny nose and sore throat (nasopharyngitis)
• bronchitis
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• leg or arm pain
• depression
• sore throat
• injection site reaction (pain, redness, itching, or swelling when given subcutaneously)

Other common side effects with Lupkynis are:

• glomerular filtration rate decreased (kidney function declining)
• high blood pressure
• anemia (low red blood cells and oxygen)
• cough
• urinary tract infection
• abdominal (stomach area) pain
• dyspepsia (heartburn)
• alopecia (hair loss)
• mouth ulceration
• fatigue
• tremor
• acute kidney injury
• decreased appetite

Are there any food interactions with Benlysta or Lupkynis?

There are several important food interactions with Lupkynis, but Benlysta has no known food or alcohol interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider to have your prescription, over-the-counter and dietary or herbal supplements checked for interactions.

Lupkynis food interactions

Food can slow down the absorption of Lupkynis, which may lead to lower blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the medicine. Lupkynis should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication.

You should avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice with Lupkynis. Grapefruit can increase the blood levels of Lupkynis in your body and lead to side effects. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

If you are taking Lupkynis do not take potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Taking Lupkynis with salt substitutes or supplements may cause high levels of potassium in your blood. High levels of potassium can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling or numbness of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

These are not all the possible side effects or drug interactions that may occur. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications you use, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, herbs and dietary supplements. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

This is not all the information you need to know about Lupkynis (voclosporin) and Benlysta (belimumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full consumer medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

• Lupkynis (voclosporin) product information. Revised: 04/2024. Aurinia Pharma. Rockville, MD. Accessed July 6, 2025 at https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/_cfc5c30e7ab13f737e9c5ce7d5e86bc6/auriniapharma/files/pages/auriniapharma/db/416/description/LUPKYNIS_PRESCRIBING_INFORMATION_FINAL.pdf
• Benlyta (belimumab) product information. Revised 5/2024. GSK. Philadelphia, PA. Accessed July 6, 2025 at https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Benlysta/pdf/BENLYSTA-PI-MG-IFU.PDF
• Lupkynis drug interaction checker. Drugs.com. Accessed July 6, 2025 at https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/voclosporin,lupkynis.html

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