Benlysta Coupons & Prices

Benlysta FAQs

How can I pay for Benlysta without insurance?

The price for Benlysta without insurance depends on several factors, such as the quantity and day supply. For those who self-inject at home, a single dose of Benlysta for self-injection costs about $1,153—however, it is sold in a pack of four at the price of $4,612. For those who receive an intravenous infusion by a healthcare provider at a medical facility, the price varies by patient as it is dosed by weight. However, the manufacturer notes that the list price is not the price most people actually pay, as most pay some type of discounted price with insurance or financial assistance. 

How much does Benlysta cost with insurance?

You will start by signing up for Benlysta Gateway. You will fill out and submit the enrollment form together with your doctor. Benlysta Gateway will contact your insurance plan to determine your coverage and then contact you within one week regarding your enrollment. The Benlysta Gateway program works with patients to understand coverage details and estimate out-of-pocket costs. 

Your cost for Benlysta will vary based on your individual insurance coverage, its formulary, and the coverage state you are in.

Where can I get Benlysta?

You will get this medication either at a healthcare provider’s office or facility or from certain specialty pharmacies. There are various specialty pharmacies that participate in the specialty pharmacy network for Benlysta. The specific pharmacy you use will depend on your insurance. Benlysta Gateway can provide more information on this.

Does Medicare cover Benlysta and how much does it cost?

Medicare prescription drug programs may or may not often cover Benlysta. In certain cases, the healthcare provider will need to submit paperwork for prior authorization to prove to the insurance company that the medicine is medically necessary. Medicare Part B may cover some of the cost if you receive Benlysta in a healthcare facility. When you register with Benlysta Gateway, they will provide more information about costs with your specific Medicare insurance plan.

Is there a generic of Benlysta?

Benlysta is a brand-name prescription medicine. Because Benlysta is a biologic medicine, the generic version is called a biosimilar. However, there are no biosimilars available at this time made by any pharmaceutical companies. Benlysta was approved by the FDA in 2015. GlaxoSmithKline is the manufacturer of Benlysta.

What is Benlysta?

Benlysta is a brand-name prescription immune-suppressing drug that treats systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic condition in which the immune system misfires and attacks healthy tissues in the skin and internal organs. While in some autoimmune diseases, the immune system only targets one type of healthy tissue, in SLE, the immune system attacks a wide spectrum of tissues as if they were infections, including the skin, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and joints. 

Benlysta is also used to treat patients with an autoimmune disorder of the kidneys caused by SLE, called lupus nephritis. Benlysta can be used in adults and children 5 years and older.

How does Benlysta work?

The active ingredient in Benlysta, belimumab, reduces the number of a type of white blood cells (B-cells) that produce antibodies, the proteins that attach to “foreign” cells and tissues and target them for attack by the immune system.

How do I use Benlysta?

Benlysta is administered as an intravenous injection or as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection using a prefilled syringe or autoinjector. Patients who self-inject will receive extensive training on how to prepare and administer Benlysta injection.

What are the side effects of Benlysta?

Benlysta suppresses the immune system, so Benlysta lowers the body's ability to prevent or fight infections, including serious and potentially fatal infections as well as increased risk of certain cancers.

Common side effects of Benlysta include, but are not limited to, injection site reactions, nausea, diarrhea, fever, stuffy nose, bronchitis, insomnia, pain, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, and headache.

Mental and mood changes include depression, anxiety, and, though very rare, suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients who take Benlysta should be closely monitored for any changes in mood or behavior.

Allergic reactions are rare but potentially life-threatening. If you experience any allergic reactions to Benlysta, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for additional information and medical advice.

While taking Benlysta, you should not receive any live vaccines. If you are unsure whether a certain vaccine is live, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.