In this article, we will discuss Belimumab and Depression. So, let’s get started.
Belimumab and Depression
In the controlled clinical trials, psychiatric events were reported more frequently with Belimumab (16%) than with placebo (12%), related primarily to depression-related events (6.3% Belimumab and 4.7% placebo), insomnia (6.0% Belimumab and 5.3% placebo), and anxiety (3.9% Belimumab and 2.8% placebo). Serious psychiatric events were reported in 0.8% of patients receiving Belimumab (0.6% and 1.2% with 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively) and 0.4% of patients receiving placebo. Serious depression was reported in 0.4% (6/1458) of patients receiving Belimumab and 0.1% (1/675) of patients receiving placebo. Two suicides (0.1%) were reported in patients receiving Belimumab. The majority of patients who reported serious depression or suicidal behavior had a history of depression or other serious psychiatric disorders and most were receiving psychoactive medications. It is unknown if Belimumab treatment is
associated with increased risk for these events.
Patients receiving Belimumab should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes.