Vial Calculator for Intravenous (IV) Use

Use the Vial Calculator for BENLYSTA IV to determine a vial combination for each patient that helps minimize waste

BENLYSTA IV comes in two 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.

BENLYSTA IV comes in two 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.

Image: BENLYSTA 120-mg Vial

120-mg in a 5-mL
single-dose vial

(NDC 49401-0101-01)

Image: BENLYSTA 400-mg Vial

400-mg in a 20-mL
single-dose vial

(NDC 49401-0102-01)

Vial Calculator

PATIENT {{patientNumber}}
Remove x
kg
Weight*
lbs
Dose*
mg (10 mg/kg)

*One of these fields is required

Reconstituted Solution for Dilution
0 mL
Recommended Vial Combination
0
0
120-mg vials
400-mg vials
Waste
0 mg

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

  • 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: Intravenous Administration of BENLYSTA

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: Intravenous Administration of BENLYSTA

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

  • Example of a 180-lb (81.8-kg) patient

    818-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 ≤40kg, 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

Additional Resources

Dosing & Administration Get details about BENLYSTA dosing and administration options, including the BENLYSTA Autoinjector.

Starting a Patient on BENLYSTA Important downloads to help your patients as they get started with BENLYSTA.

Talk to your patients about the dosing options that are available for them