BENLYSTA vial calculator for IV use

Did you know?

76% of patients with lupus taking BENLYSTA preferred administration with the Autoinjector over IV infusion.1,2*

* A follow-up survey was conducted in patients with SLE (N=43) who completed an open-label, multi-dose, usability, tolerability, and safety study of SC belimumab where they were switched from IV or prefilled syringe belimumab to self-administered doses using the Autoinjector for 8 weekly doses. Patients (n=42) were asked, “What is your preference for receiving BENLYSTA: using the autoinjector or IV?”

IV = intravenous; SC = subcutaneous; SLE = systemic lupus erythematosus.

Find a vial combination that helps minimize waste

BENLYSTA IV comes in 2 vial sizes and is administered as a 10-mg/kg dose. For more information about ordering BENLYSTA, call BENLYSTA Gateway at 1-877-4-BENLYSTA.

Picture: 120 mg single-dose vial of BENLYSTA

120 mg in a 5-mL single-dose vial

(NDC 49401-0101-01)

Picture: 400 mg single-dose vial of BENLYSTA

400 mg in a 20-mL single-dose vial

(NDC 49401-0102-01)

Vial calculator

Patient {{patientNumber}}

Enter the weight or dose for each patient and see the results below.

Removex
kg
Weight†‡
lbs
Dose†
mg (10 mg/kg)

† One of these fields is required.
‡ Ib to kg calculated as 1 lb = 2.205 kg.

Reconstituted solution for dilution
0mL
Recommended vial combination
0120-mg vials
0400-mg vials
Waste
0mg
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  • Reconstitute BENLYSTA IV

    • Reconstitute BENLYSTA IV using aseptic technique.
    • Remove BENLYSTA IV from the refrigerator and allow to stand 10 to 15 minutes for the vial(s) to reach room temperature.
    • Reconstitute BENLYSTA IV powder with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, as follows. The reconstituted solution will contain a concentration of 80 mg/mL belimumab. Use of a 21- to 25-gauge needle is recommended.
      • Reconstitute the 120-mg vial with 1.5 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP.
      • Reconstitute the 400-mg vial with 4.8 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP.
    • The stream of sterile water should be directed toward the side of the vial to minimize foaming.
    • Reconstitution is typically complete within 10 to 15 minutes after the sterile water has been added, but it may take up to 30 minutes.
    • Protect the reconstituted solution from direct sunlight.
    • Once reconstitution is complete, the solution should be opalescent and colorless to pale yellow and without particles. Small air bubbles are expected and acceptable.
    • If a mechanical reconstitution device (swirler) is used, it should not exceed 500 rpm and the vial swirled for no longer than 30 minutes.
    • The reconstituted solution of BENLYSTA IV, if not used immediately, should be stored protected from direct sunlight and refrigerated at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C).
    • The total time from reconstitution of BENLYSTA IV to completion of infusion should not exceed 8 hours.
Icon: IV vial

Swirl, don’t shake

Remember that when reconstituting BENLYSTA IV, you must swirl – not shake – the vial.

  • Allow the vial to sit at room temperature during reconstitution.
  • Gently swirl the vial for 60 seconds every 5 minutes until the powder is dissolved.
Icon: IV bag

Prepare the infusion

The reconstituted BENLYSTA IV must be diluted. Calculate the volume required to be added to the infusion bag using this formula:

__-mg dose ÷ 80 mg/mL =
__ mL to be added to infusion bag

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  • Example of a 180-lb (81.6-kg) patient

    816-mg dose ÷ 80 mg/mL = 10.2 mL to be added to infusion bag

    • Dextrose intravenous solutions are incompatible with BENLYSTA IV. BENLYSTA IV should only be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (normal saline) or 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (half normal saline) or Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP to a volume of 250 mL for intravenous infusion.
      • For patients whose body weight is ≤40 kg, 100 mL may be used such that the resulting belimumab concentration in the infusion bag does not exceed 4 mg/mL.
    • From the 250-mL infusion bag or bottle, withdraw and discard a volume of fluid equal to the volume of reconstituted solution of BENLYSTA required for the patient’s dose.
    • Add the required volume of the reconstituted solution of BENLYSTA IV to the bag or bottle, and then gently invert to mix.
    • Inspect solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration and discard if either is observed.
    • Any unused solution in the vials must be discarded.
    • Diluted solutions of BENLYSTA IV may be stored at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C) or room temperature.
    • Remember, the total time from reconstitution of BENLYSTA IV to completion of infusion should not exceed 8 hours.

  • Administer BENLYSTA IV

    The diluted solution should be administered as an intravenous infusion and given over a 1-hour period.

    • Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus.
    • Consider administering premedication for prophylaxis against infusion reactions and hypersensitivity reactions prior to IV dosing. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether premedication diminishes the frequency or severity of hypersensitivity reactions.
    • BENLYSTA IV should be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage anaphylaxis or other infusion reactions.
    • BENLYSTA should not be infused concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents.

Learn more

BENLYSTA Autoinjector

This option with at-home convenience is available for adult patients with lupus or lupus nephritis.

Find out more

Safety profile

Well-established safety profile based on the largest clinical trial program in lupus and lupus nephritis.

Find out more

Talk to your patients about the most convenient dosing option for them

Talk to your patients about the most convenient dosing option for them