| Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic

Benlysta vs Purified Cortrophin Gel

Side-by-side clinical, coverage, and cost comparison for lupus erythematosus, systemic.

Deep comparison between: Benlysta vs Purified Cortrophin Gel with Prescriber.AI

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Safety signalsPurified Cortrophin Gel has a higher rate of injection site reactions vs Benlysta based on FDA-approved prescribing information

Coverage gaps3 major payers require step therapy for Purified Cortrophin Gel but not Benlysta, including UnitedHealthcare

Category

Benlysta

Purified Cortrophin Gel

At A Glance

RouteIV infusion or SC injection

FrequencyWeekly or every 4 weeks

ClassBLyS inhibitor

RouteSC/IM injection

ClassCorticotropin (ACTH)

Indications

Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Lupus Nephritis

Arthritis, Psoriatic
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Primary gout
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Polymyositis
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Psoriasis
Dermatitis, Atopic
Serum Sickness
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Keratitis
Iritis
Iridocyclitis
Uveitis
Optic Neuritis
Chorioretinitis
Sarcoidosis
Nephrotic Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis

Dosing

Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic IV: 10 mg/kg at 2-week intervals for first 3 doses then every 4 weeks as a 1-hour infusion; SC adults and pediatric >=40 kg: 200 mg once weekly; SC pediatric 15 to <40 kg: 200 mg once every 2 weeks.

Lupus Nephritis IV: 10 mg/kg at 2-week intervals for first 3 doses then every 4 weeks as a 1-hour infusion; SC adults and pediatric >=40 kg: 400 mg once weekly for 4 doses then 200 mg once weekly; SC pediatric 15 to <40 kg: 200 mg once weekly for 4 doses then 200 mg once every 2 weeks.

Arthritis, Psoriatic, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Primary gout, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Polymyositis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, Atopic, Serum Sickness, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Iritis, Iridocyclitis, Uveitis, Optic Neuritis, Chorioretinitis, Sarcoidosis, Nephrotic Syndrome Dose individualized based on disease severity, plasma and urine corticosteroid levels, and patient response; administer SC or IM; verify adrenal responsiveness prior to treatment (up to 80 units as a single injection); chronic doses above 40 units daily associated with uncontrollable adverse effects.

Multiple Sclerosis 80-120 units daily SC or IM for 2-3 weeks for acute exacerbations.

Contraindications

Previous anaphylaxis with belimumab

Intravenous administration
Scleroderma
Osteoporosis
Systemic fungal infections
Ocular herpes simplex
Recent surgery
History of or presence of a peptic ulcer
Congestive heart failure
Hypertension
Sensitivity to proteins derived from porcine sources
Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Adrenocortical hyperfunction

Drug Interactions

379View drug interactions

648View drug interactions

Adverse Reactions

Most common (>=3%) Nausea, diarrhea, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, insomnia, pain in extremity, depression, migraine, pharyngitis, cystitis, leukopenia, gastroenteritis viral

Serious Serious infections, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, depression and suicidality, malignancy

Postmarketing Fatal anaphylaxis

Fluid and Electrolyte Sodium retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, fluid retention, calcium loss, potassium loss

Musculoskeletal Muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, steroid myopathy, osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, pathologic fracture of long bones

Gastrointestinal Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, abdominal distention, ulcerative esophagitis, pancreatitis

Dermatologic Injection site reactions, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, thin fragile skin, suppression of skin test reactions, petechiae and ecchymoses, acne, hyperpigmentation, facial erythema

Cardiovascular Hypertension, congestive heart failure, necrotizing angiitis

Neurological Convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, headache, vertigo

Endocrine Menstrual irregularities, Cushingoid state, suppression of growth in children, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary insufficiency, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, hirsutism

Ophthalmic Posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma with possible damage to optic nerve, exophthalmos

Metabolic Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

Allergic Dizziness, nausea and vomiting, skin reactions, anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock, urticaria, respiratory compromise, edema)

Miscellaneous Weight gain, abscess, development of antibodies and loss of stimulatory effect

Pharmacology

BENLYSTA is a BLyS-specific inhibitor; a human IgG1lambda monoclonal antibody that blocks binding of soluble BLyS, a B-cell survival factor, to its receptors on B cells, thereby inhibiting survival of B cells including autoreactive B cells and reducing their differentiation into immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells.

Purified Cortrophin Gel is an anterior pituitary hormone (corticotropin/ACTH) that stimulates the functioning adrenal cortex to produce and secrete adrenocortical hormones; it is formulated as a porcine-derived purified ACTH in a sterile gelatin solution for prolonged activity.

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Most Common Insurance

Anthem BCBS

Benlysta