Lupus Drug Benlysta Approved by FDA

Benlysta, a drug that is intended to help those with lupus, recently received approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved belimumab, sold as Benlysta, following studies that were geared to show the drug will help patients with lupus.

With more than 1.5 million people in the United States having Systemic lupus erythematosus, a new medication such as Benlysta may be viewed as another opportunity to gain relief. Some approving Benlysta say it offers mild results.

Why this drug Benlysta was approved for those with lupus:

Benlysta has been determined to target the production of certain immune system cells. For more details view this site.

What will be different for those with lupus who take Benlysta:

Some will find they have fewer flare-ups when taking Benlysta. This could allow those with lupus use less steroids. More information is available on the FDA site.

There are more than 1.5 million people in the United States alone who have lupus. Lupus causes the body to see cells as offenders. Healthy cells are attacked and the person with lupus may have swollen joints, problems with their kidneys, heart or lungs and more.

Most with lupus have used various prescription drugs that aim at reducing inflammation. Often steroids are used to treat lupus as well. Medications to treat lupus are often immune-suppressing, and may cause other medical issues that will have to be addressed.