The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (15%)
- Diarrhea (12%)
- Fever (10%)
- Common cold (9%)
- Bronchitis (9%)
- Difficulty sleeping (7%)
- Pain in arms or legs (6%)
- Depression (5%)
- Migraine (5%)
- Sore throat (5%)
Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who received [[EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] IV infusion for SLE. People who used the SC injection had similar side effects.
Less Common Side Effects
- Bladder infection
- Stomach flu
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Headache
- Injection site reactions - SC injection only
Benlysta serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe infection: fever, chills, pain or burning while urinating, urinating often, coughing up mucus, warm/red/painful skin or sores on the body
- Serious allergic reaction: itching, swelling of the face, trouble breathing, anxiety, low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea, skin rash
- Mental health problems: thoughts of self-harm or dying, attempting to commit suicide, trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, impulsivity, changes in behavior or mood
Source: DailyMed
The following Benlysta side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:
More common
Bladder pain
bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, skin discoloration, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
bloody or cloudy urine
body aches or pain
chest pain or tightness
chills
cough producing mucus
difficult, burning, or painful urination
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
dizziness
ear congestion
frequent urge to urinate
headache, severe and throbbing
hives, skin rash
itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth of the skin
joint pain
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
muscle aches and pains
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
Black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
discouragement
fast heartbeat
feeling sad or empty
hoarseness
irritability
loss of interest or pleasure
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
voice changes
Some side effects 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
Arm or leg pain
Less common
Stomach pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
