The exact type of injection given for lupus depends on the specific type of treatment the patient is receiving. For those patients who are prescribed corticosteroids, they will typically be given an intramuscular injection of either methylprednisolone or prednisolone.
These drugs help to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. Corticosteroids can also be given intravenously, as a pulse treatment, or as a slow infusion, such as with intravenous cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
Alternative drugs used to treat lupus may also include biologic drugs, such as abatacept (Orencia), tocilizumab (Actemra), belimumab (Benlysta), and rituximab (Rituxan). Depending on the drug, these can be administered via self-injection, intravenous infusion, or intramuscular injection.
Finally, for patients on drug therapies for kidney issues stemming from lupus, they may be given an injection of either methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). Additionally, treatments such as hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be used.
What is the injectable drug for lupus?
The injectable drug that is most commonly used to treat lupus is a medication called methotrexate. This medication is an immunosuppressant that helps alleviate inflammation and reduce the activity of the immune system.
It is typically given once or twice a week, either as a subcutaneous injection or intravenously. Additionally, some patients might be prescribed corticosteroids such as prednisone or other immunosuppressant medications such as mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine to further manage lupus symptoms.
It’s important to keep in mind that lupus is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease, so it is important to discuss with your doctor the best treatment option for your individual situation. Self-care and lifestyle modifications including reducing stress, getting adequate rest, and eating a healthful, balanced diet, can help support the disease treatment plan and reduce flare-ups.
Does Benlysta cause hair loss?
The short answer to this question is no, Benlysta does not cause hair loss. According to the prescription drug information from manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, Benlysta (belimumab) does not list hair loss as a possible side effect.
This is very reassuring if you are taking Benlysta to treat your lupus or autoimmune disease.
It is important to note, however, that hair loss can be a common symptom of such diseases, and in some cases, medications used to treat these diseases can cause hair loss as a side effect. So, while hair loss is not directly attributable to Benlysta, if you are experiencing hair loss it is important to talk to your doctor as this could be a symptom of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
Since every person is different, it is also important to discuss your lifestyle, diet and environment with your doctor, as certain activities such as stress, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can have an impact on hair health.
Ultimately, hair loss is not a listed side effect of Benlysta, but it is important to pay attention to any potential symptoms that could be stressing your body. If you have any concerns about Benlysta, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Is BENLYSTA a form of chemo?
No, BENLYSTA is not a form of chemotherapy. BENLYSTA is a brand name drug used to treat adults with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a humanized monoclonal antibody and the FIRST FDA-approved treatment specifically designed to improve clinical outcomes in people with SLE.
It works by targeting the B-cell surface protein of B-lymphocyte antigen, which plays a role in the inflammatory process associated with SLE. BENLYSTA does not act like chemotherapy, as it does not work by killing cancer cells or blocking cell reproduction.
Instead, it targets the immune system with the purpose of reducing the activity of autoimmune diseases.
Is weight gain a side effect of BENLYSTA?
No, weight gain is not a side effect of BENLYSTA (belimumab). According to the prescribing information published by the manufacturer, weight gain has not been reported during clinical trials of BENLYSTA.
Before taking BENLYSTA, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements, or if you have any type of underlying medical condition. Depending on your situation and risk factors, certain medications such as steroids like prednisone and certain immune system suppressants, may cause weight gain.
In some cases, weight gain can also be a symptom of the underlying condition being treated with BENLYSTA. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor about any possible medications or treatments that may be recommended for you.
How do you feel after BENLYSTA injection?
I feel that BENLYSTA injections have been helpful for me in managing my lupus symptoms. After each injection, I am usually feeling much better and the effects are usually lasting over the course of a few days.
While I don’t experience any type of relief immediately after the injection, the effects gradually begin to take place. I do experience some relief during the first day, but the real relief kicks in after a few days.
Although I may experience some soreness at the site of the injection, the relief I experience is more than worth it. The BENLYSTA injection has been one of the main treatments that have allowed me to manage my lupus symptoms.
What are the side effects of BENLYSTA auto injector?
The most common side effects of the BENLYSTA auto injector may include symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, injection site reactions, and fatigue. Other possible side effects may include joint pain, rash, swelling of limbs, and difficulty breathing.
Less common but serious side effects may include allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If any of these reactions occur, immediately contact a medical provider.
It is also important to note that the long-term effects of BENLYSTA auto injector are not yet known. Studies are still ongoing to investigate the effects of this medication over an extended period of time.
If taking BENLYSTA for an extended period of time, it is important to inform your doctor about any side effects or changes in health that you experience.
If you experience any side effects while using the BENLYSTA auto injector, be sure to speak with your doctor right away.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Living with lupus can be both physically and emotionally draining. It can cause numerous daily struggles that affect daily life; some being more severe than others. Common physical struggles caused by lupus include: muscle and joint pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, digestive issues, anemia and skin rashes.
Other potential symptoms of lupus can include: chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, depression, and can even lead to organ failure. Alongside the physical struggles of living with lupus, many sufferers experience the emotional toll of the illness.
This can consist of feeling overwhelmed, difficulty coping with diagnosis and fear of potential flares or flares of worsening symptoms. Anxiety, depression and stress can quickly become part of daily life.
The symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated. Every individual suffering from lupus must manage their illness differently. Diet, lifestyle, and lifestyle changes can help relieve the symptoms of lupus, but ultimately it is important to talk to your doctor to identify the best route for managing the illness.
Why did I get lupus?
Unfortunately, the exact cause of lupus is unknown, but research has shown that certain factors – such as genetics, hormones, and certain infections or viruses – play a role in the development of lupus.
It is also believed that environmental factors such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and certain drugs may also trigger lupus in some people.
Lupus has been linked to certain genes, meaning that if a family has a history of lupus, it may indicate a genetic predisposition. Additionally, people with certain infections or viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of developing lupus.
Estrogens (the sex hormones found in both men and women) have been found to play a role in the development of lupus. This is why certain women may develop lupus after starting hormone treatments (like birth control) or during a pregnancy or menopause.
Additionally, exposure to certain environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke and ultraviolet radiation from the sun, may trigger lupus in susceptible individuals. Finally, there are certain drugs (like those used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease) that can trigger lupus in some people.
Ultimately, there is no one definite answer as to why someone might get lupus, as there are multiple factors that may play a role in its development.
What should you not do if you have lupus?
If you have lupus, it is important that you take certain precautions and avoid certain activities to help manage your condition and reduce the chance of flares. You should not engage in any activity that is likely to make your lupus worse, including:
– Spending too much time out in the sun or subjecting yourself to extreme temperatures
– Drinking alcohol or smoking
– Doing strenuous or vigorous exercise
– Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications without checking with your doctor
– Eating foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, or salt
– Engaging in acts that cause stress
– Taking part in activities that require manual labor or lifting heavy objects
It is also important to make sure that you have plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet and make sure you take your medications as instructed by your doctor. It is also important to make sure that you get regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your lupus.
Taking care of yourself is the key to managing lupus, so make sure you pay attention to your body and listen to your doctor’s advice.
How do you cope living with lupus?
Living with lupus can be very difficult, but there are a few steps that can be taken to make it easier. First, it is important to understand the disease and how to manage it and be proactive in managing symptoms.
This includes assessing your lifestyle and environment and making the necessary adjustments, such as avoiding exposure to UV and other environmental triggers. Following a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in helping manage the disease; this includes regular physical activity, regular rest, a balanced diet, and ways to reduce stress.
It is also important to connect with doctors, family, and other individuals to provide support, understanding, and help with managing the disease. Lastly, it is crucial to take medications as prescribed by a doctor and to attend all doctor’s appointments.
Taking the time to understand the disease and to properly manage it can make living with lupus much more bearable.
What does lupus do to the body over time?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects different parts of the body and can have many different symptoms. Over time, lupus can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Inflamed joints can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling; inflamed skin may cause a red, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, as well as extremely frequent skin lesions and sensitivity to sunlight.
Lupus can also cause inflammation of the heart and lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. Inflamed kidneys can cause blood, protein and/or red blood cells in the urine, swelling around the eyes and urine changes.
This can lead to organ damage and can even be life-threatening. People with lupus must get regular monitoring to detect any changes early and manage the disease. Lupus can greatly affect quality of life and can be very difficult to manage.
With proper treatment, however, it is possible to reduce the symptoms and even put the disease into remission.
What foods heal autoimmune?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body, resulting in chronic inflammation and organ damage. While there is no one-size-fits-all dietary approach to treating autoimmune diseases, certain foods and dietary approaches can help reduce inflammation and support healing.
When managing autoimmune disease, it’s important to eliminate foods that can trigger an autoimmune response. This includes gluten, dairy, corn, eggs, soy, and nightshade vegetables. It’s also important to avoid any foods that may contain inflammatory compounds such as artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils, processed meats, and refined carbs.
In addition to eliminating problematic foods, there are some foods that may help promote healing and reduce inflammation. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, and walnuts, are known to be anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the symptoms of autoimmune disease.
Eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, cherries, spinach, and broccoli, can also help combat inflammation. Other beneficial foods include fermented foods, such as miso, tempeh, and yogurt, which can help promote healthy gut bacteria.
Finally, consuming high-quality proteins, such as wild-caught fish and grass-fed meat, can help support the body’s ability to heal.
With these dietary modifications and a commitment to healthy eating, many people experience improved symptom control when managing an autoimmune disease. Nevertheless, it’s important to discuss any dietary changes with your healthcare provider to ensure that they are right for you.
