WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Anifrolumab is used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs). Anifrolumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the activity of a certain protein in people with SLE.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Anifrolumab comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin). It is given intravenously over a 30-minute period every 4 weeks. It is given subcutaneously in a prefilled syringe or prefilled pen once weekly. Your doctor will decide how often you are to receive anifrolumab based on your body's response to this medication.
Your healthcare provider will show you or your caregiver how to use the prefilled syringe or pen. You will also be given instructions for use that come with step by step directions on how to give your injection. Ask your healthcare provider if you aren't sure on how to use the prefilled pen.
Before injecting anifrolumab, remove the pen or prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for 60 minutes. Do not try to warm by running under warm water, using a microwave, or any other method. Inspect the pen or syringe carefully to make sure the solution is clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if there is cloudiness, particulate matter, or discoloration. Anifrolumab injection can be given into the abdomen (avoiding the 2 inch area around the navel) or thigh. The upper arm can be used if a caregiver is giving the injection.
Anifrolumab helps to control lupus but does not cure it. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well anifrolumab works for you. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving anifrolumab,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive anifrolumab intravenously, call your doctor as soon as possible.
If you forget to use a subcutaneous dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then you may start a new weekly schedule from the day the dose was just given or resume your previous schedule before the missed dose. You must allow 3 days between injections.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Anifrolumab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Anifrolumab may increase your risk of certain cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.
Anifrolumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it in the refrigerator, do not freeze. It may also be kept at room temperature, 68 to 77° F (20 to 25° C), in the original carton for up to 7 days. After 7 days at room temperature, anifrolumab must be discarded and not returned to the refrigerator.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about anifrolumab.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: June 15, 2026.