Anifrolumab
Are you a clinician? See the clinical version of this page.
Given either as a drip into a vein every 4 weeks, or as a weekly injection under the skin.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (IV): A drip into a vein over about 30 minutes, every 4 weeks.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (subcutaneous): A weekly injection under the skin.
What to know
How it is used in lupus
Anifrolumab is added on top of the usual lupus medicines to lower disease activity and reduce flares. It works by blocking the type I interferon signal, which is overactive in many people with lupus.
Common side effects
The more common effects include upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, shingles (herpes zoster) and cold sores, and reactions during an infusion if given by drip.
Before starting
Your team will check you do not have an active infection and will bring your vaccinations up to date first. Live vaccines are avoided while on treatment.
Monitoring
Watch for signs of infection, including shingles, and tell your team. Infusion reactions are watched for during and after a drip.
What to watch for
- Signs of infection, such as fever, or a painful blistering rash (shingles). Contact your team.
- A reaction during or after an infusion, such as rash, wheeze, or feeling faint.
- New cold sores or other infections while on treatment.