Anifrolumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 15, 2023.

Applies to anifrolumab: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of anifrolumab

Along with its needed effects, anifrolumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking anifrolumab:

More common

• back pain
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• cough producing mucus
• fever
• flushing
• headache
• lower back or side pain
• nausea and vomiting
• painful blisters on the trunk of the body
• painful or difficult urination
• trouble breathing
• weakness

Less common

• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, skin rash
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of anifrolumab

Some side effects of anifrolumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• body aches or pain
• ear congestion
• loss of voice
• muscle aches
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck

For healthcare professionals

Applies to anifrolumab: intravenous solution.

General

The most common adverse drug reactions with an incidence of 5% or greater were nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, infusion related reactions, herpes zoster, headache, back pain, sinusitis, and cough.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, oral herpes, vomiting

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (12%)

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Serious hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 0.6% of patients.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Antibody development^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion-related reactions^[Ref]

The most common infusion-related reaction symptoms were headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Oncologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malignancies^[Ref]

Malignant neoplasms, included non-melanoma skin cancers, were reported in 1.3% of patients.

Malignancies that were reported in more than one patient included breast cancer and squamous cell carcinoma.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Infections (69.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Herpes zoster, serious Infections^[Ref]

The most frequent serious infection was pneumonia.

Fatal infections occurred in 0.4% of patients.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Bronchitis (11%), upper respiratory tract infection (34%), nasopharyngitis (16.3)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, cough, pharyngitis, pneumonia^[Ref]

Upper respiratory tract infections included nasopharyngitis and pharyngitis.

Bronchitis included viral bronchitis and tracheobronchitis.

Respiratory tract infection included viral respiratory tract infection and bacterial respiratory tract infection.^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Benlysta and Saphnelo?

Further information

Anifrolumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer