Subcutaneous formulation of belimumab in treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a critical review with focus on safety and satisfaction

Department

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Patient Preference And Adherence

Abstract

Belimumab is a novel add-on therapy that has been approved for patients with active and antibody-mediated systemic lupus erythematosus. It is a monoclonal antibody that decreases the activation of B-cells and consequently decreases antibodies' production. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved subcutaneous belimumab for patients who have received training on using it. Subcutaneous belimumab can be administered using either a prefilled syringe or an auto-injector device. Weekly subcutaneous belimumab seems to be as effective as monthly intravenous belimumab with a similar safety margin. In this article, we reviewed the literature on subcutaneous belimumab focusing on safety and patients' experiences and satisfaction. Overall, subcutaneous belimumab appears to be preferred over intravenous belimumab for a number of reasons. However, more studies are still required to prove these findings.

First Page

2475

Last Page

2479

DOI

10.2147/PPA.S147163

Volume

12

Publication Date

11-21-2018

PubMed ID

30538431

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