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Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females: Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during Benlysta treatment and for at least 4 months after the last treatment.
Pregnancy: There are a limited amount of data from the use of Benlysta in pregnant women. No formal studies have been conducted. Besides an expected pharmacological effect i.e. reduction of B cells, animal studies in monkeys do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
Benlysta should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding: It is unknown whether Benlysta is excreted in human milk or is absorbed systemically after ingestion. However, belimumab was detected in the milk from female monkeys administered 150 mg/kg every 2 weeks.
Because maternal antibodies (IgG) are excreted in breast milk, it is recommended that a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue Benlysta therapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility: There are no data on the effects of belimumab on human fertility. Effects on male and female fertility have not been formally evaluated in animal studies (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).
