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Compare Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Saphnelo (anifrolumab)
    Benlysta (belimumab)
  • Saphnelo (anifrolumab)
    Benlysta (belimumab)

  • Summary of Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Summary for Biologic
    Prescription only

    Saphnelo (anifrolumab or anifrolumab-fnia) is a newly approved injectable medication used for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body. It's given as an infusion through the veins (intravenous, or IV) by a healthcare provider.

    Summary for BLyS-specific inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Benlysta (belimumab) is a monoclonal antibody, specifically known as a BLyS-specific inhibitor. It's used as an add-on to other medications to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis in adults and children. Benlysta (belimumab) can be given two different ways: either once per week as a self-injection under the skin (subcutaneous, SC) or as an injection into your vein (intravenous, IV) once per month (after the first few doses) by a healthcare professional. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

  • Indications of Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Indications for
    •Add-on therapy for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
    Indications for
    •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 of Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Pros and Const for Biologic
    Pros
    •Works well to improve moderate-to-severe SLE
    •Given only once per month
    Cons
    •Needs to be given by a healthcare provider
    •Can't be used alone; only approved as an add-on to standard therapy
    •Brand-name only, which can be expensive
    Pros and Const for BLyS-specific inhibitor
    Pros
    •Available as an SC and IV injection
    •SC injection comes as a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector for easier use
    •Only needs to be injected once per week when given SC
    •If needed, SC injection can be stored at room temperature for up to 12 hours
    Cons
    •SC injection might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
    •Only approved for use as an add-on to standard therapy
    •Doesn't cure SLE or lupus nephritis
    •Brand-name only, not available as a generic

  • Common Side Effects of Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection (34%)
    •Bronchitis (11%)
    •Infusion-related reactions (headache, dizziness, nausea; 9%)
    •Herpes zoster infection (shingles; 6%)
    •Cough (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 IV injection for SLE. People who received SC injection experienced similar side effects.

  • Warnings of Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Serious allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Depression and thoughts of suicide
    •Avoid live vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Saphnelo vs. Benlysta

    Learn more about Saphnelo
    Learn more about Benlysta

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