Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) is a prescription drug used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus. The drug comes as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It’s usually given once every 4 weeks by a healthcare professional.

Saphnelo is used to treat moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus in adults who are receiving standard therapy. Saphnelo is not approved to treat all kinds of lupus. It should not be used if you have:

The active ingredient in Saphnelo is anifrolumab-fnia.* (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Saphnelo belongs to a group of drugs called type 1 interferon (IFN-1) receptor blockers.

This article describes the dosage of Saphnelo, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Saphnelo, see this in-depth article.

* The reason “-fnia” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that this drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.

This section describes the typical dosage of Saphnelo.

What is Saphnelo’s form?

Saphnelo comes as a liquid solution given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).

What strength does Saphnelo come in?

Saphnelo comes in one strength of 300 milligrams (mg) per 2 milliliters (mL).

What’s the usual dosage of Saphnelo?

The usual dosage of Saphnelo is 300 mg, given once every 4 weeks. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Is Saphnelo used long term?

Yes, Saphnelo is usually used as a long-term treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

A healthcare professional will give you Saphnelo as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). An infusion of Saphnelo takes 30 minutes, and you’ll receive one infusion every 4 weeks.

If you miss an appointment for an infusion, call your doctor’s office right away to reschedule. You should receive the missed dose as soon as possible. You’ll need to separate any doses of Saphnelo by at least 14 days. This includes missed doses.

If you need help remembering your Saphnelo infusion appointments, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Saphnelo, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • Can I receive Saphnelo more often than every 4 weeks?
  • Will my dosage change if I experience side effects?
  • Will my dosage change if I take other medications?
  • Will it always take 30 minutes for the infusion?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.