Saphnelo vs. Benlysta for Lupus: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Saphnelo

(anifrolumab)

Benlysta

(belimumab)

Summary for Saphnelo

Prescription only

Saphnelo (anifrolumab or anifrolumab-fnia) is an FDA approved injection used along with other medications to treat adults with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack your own body. It's given either as an infusion into a vein once a month by a healthcare professional or as an injection under the skin once a week at home. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and cough.

Indications for Saphnelo

Moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults

Pros and Cons for Saphnelo

Pros

Helps to improve moderate-to-severe SLE when used with other lupus medications
Available as either an IV infusion or a once-weekly self injection
IV treatment is given once a month

Cons

The IV infusion needs to be given by a healthcare professional
Risk of serious infections
Only approved for adults, not for children

Common Side Effects for Saphnelo

*Note: These side effects were reported in clinical studies with the IV infusion.

Warnings for Saphnelo

Serious infections
Serious allergic reactions
Potential risk for cancer

Summary for Benlysta

Prescription only

Benlysta (belimumab) is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis in adults and children. You can receive it in two ways: as a once-weekly injection under your skin or as an IV infusion once per month from a healthcare professional. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

Indications for Benlysta

Add-on treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in people ages 5 years and older
Add-on treatment for lupus nephritis (kidney damage related to SLE) in people ages 5 years and older

Pros and Cons for Benlysta

Pros

Targets a specific part of the immune system
Available as an IV infusion or self-injection
Safe for both children and adults

Cons

Must use with other medications
Raises the risk of infections
Can take several months to see benefits

Common Side Effects for Benlysta

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 Benlysta (belimumab) IV infusion for SLE. People who used the SC injection had similar side effects.

Warnings for Benlysta

Serious infections
Serious allergic reactions
Depression and thoughts of suicide
Risk of cancer
Avoid live vaccines

Prices with our coupons for Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

Saphnelo1 vial / 2ml of 300mg/2ml

Get free coupons

More Information

Benlysta1 carton / 4 autoinjectors of 200mg/ml

$5,140.36$7,389.87

Get free coupons

More Information

Compare other Lupus drugs

Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

Saphnelo

Benlysta

Summary for Saphnelo

Indications for Saphnelo

Pros and Cons for Saphnelo

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Saphnelo

Warnings for Saphnelo

Summary for Benlysta

Indications for Benlysta

Pros and Cons for Benlysta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Benlysta

Warnings for Benlysta

Prices with our coupons for Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

Compare other Lupus drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Saphnelo

Benlysta

Summary for Saphnelo

Indications for Saphnelo

Pros and Cons for Saphnelo

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Saphnelo

Warnings for Saphnelo

Summary for Benlysta

Indications for Benlysta

Pros and Cons for Benlysta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Benlysta

Warnings for Benlysta