Anifrolumab Print Page

What is anifrolumab?  How does it work?

• Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) is in a class of medications called biologics, which are human made antibodies which target specific parts of the immune system.
• While biologics have been used in rheumatology for over 25 years now, newer biologics have become available in the treatment of systemic lupus.
• Anifrolumab is a biologic approved to be used in the treatment of lupus.
• It is an antibody against interferon I, which is a component of the immune system and thought to play a role in causing symptoms in lupus.  By decreasing the activity of interferon I, it can decrease the inflammation from lupus and limit any damage it can cause.

What is the typical dose for anifrolumab?

• It is typically given through an intravenous infusion monthly, at a dose of 300 mg with each infusion.
• Anifrolumab is most often used to treat lupus that is moderately or highly active.  It is not typically used in milder forms of lupus where other medications can be just as effective.  It may not be the right medication for lupus depending on the particular symptoms you have and parts of the body affected.

If I start anifrolumab, can I stop my other lupus medications?

• Most rheumatologists will suggest you continue with at least hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil), assuming you have not had side effects, in addition to anifrolumab. Studies have shown hydroxychloroquine helps reduce serious organ involvement in lupus.
• Keep in mind: In most instances, your rheumatologist has recommended you start a new medication because your lupus has not been well controlled. It is important to try to control your disease as best as possible first, which may mean continuing all medications for some time, before trying to decrease them.

What are the possible side effects of anifrolumab?

• While generally well tolerated, anifrolumab may cause:
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Infusion reactions
  • Increased risk for infections, including respiratory infection (chest cold, cough, etc), or shingles

What can I do to decrease my risk of side effects?

• Stop anifrolumab any time you have a fever. It is usually safe to resume it once you are better.
• Discuss with your rheumatologist if you start to notice any other side effects.
• Follow your rheumatologist’s instructions for medication monitoring.
• Let your physician know if you have any changes in your medical history.
• Ensure your physician knows all the medications you are on, as anifrolumab can sometimes cause serious interactions with some medications.
• Discuss your current vaccinations with your rheumatology team, and see if it makes sense to receive updates on vaccines to lower infection risks.

What should I do if I miss my dose?

• If you miss your infusion, let your rheumatologist know so they can schedule a new infusion time for you.

How can I safely stop anifrolumab?

• It is safe to just stop anifrolumab; you do not need to slowly reduce the dose. However, keep in mind, if you were gaining any benefit, it will usually take a few weeks to lose it.