Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a medicine used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues.
Saphnelo can be given in two different ways, depending on what your health care provider recommends:
- IV infusion: This method delivers Saphnelo directly into a vein through a needle, usually in your arm. A health care provider gives the infusion in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center.
- Subcutaneous injection (under the skin): This method uses a prefilled syringe or autoinjector (Saphnelo pen) to inject the medicine into the fatty layer just under your skin.
The FDA approved the subcutaneous form of Saphnelo in April 2026 for once-weekly use. This newer option allows patients or caregivers to give the medicine at home after proper training.
This article provides an overview of how to use Saphnelo.
How Often Do You Use Saphnelo
If you are receiving Saphnelo as an IV infusion, it is usually given once every four weeks.
For subcutaneous use, the recommended dose is 120 mg injected once a week. It is important to use Saphnelo exactly as prescribed. Do not change your schedule unless your health care provider tells you to.
Before Using Saphnelo at Home
Before using Saphnelo on your own, your health care provider will show you or your caregiver how to give the injection correctly.
Saphnelo should be stored in the refrigerator in its original carton until you are ready to use it. Remove Saphnelo from the refrigerator about one hour before injection so it can reach room temperature, which may make the injection more comfortable. Do not try to warm it using other methods.
Check the medicine before using it. The liquid should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, contains particles, is damaged, or has expired.
Where to Inject Saphnelo
Saphnelo is injected into the fatty layer under the skin. You or your caregiver can inject it into the front of the thigh or the lower abdomen. The upper arm may be used if a caregiver gives the injection.
Rotate injection sites each time. Choose a spot at least 1 inch away from your previous injection site and at least 2 inches away from your belly button. Avoid areas where the skin is irritated, bruised, scarred, or damaged.
How to Inject Saphnelo
Saphnelo can be given at home using a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector (Saphnelo pen). Your health care provider will show you which device to use and how to use it. Gather your supplies and wash your hands before starting.
Here are the general steps for how to inject Saphnelo:
- Clean the injection site. Use an alcohol wipe or soap and water. Let the area dry completely before injecting.
- Prepare the device. When you’re ready, remove the needle cover from the syringe or remove the cap from the pen as instructed. Do not touch the needle or allow it to touch any surface.
- Position the device. Gently pinch the skin if you are using a syringe, and insert the needle at about a 45-degree angle. If you are using the Saphnelo pen, place the green needle guard flat against your skin at a 90-degree angle. Make sure you can see the viewing window.
- Give the injection. If you’re using the syringe, press the plunger down slowly and steadily until all the medicine is injected. For the Saphnelo pen, press down firmly and hold the device in place against your skin for about 15 seconds until the full dose is delivered. You may hear a first click when the injection starts and a second click when it finishes. The green plunger will move and fill the viewing window as the medicine is delivered. Do not move or reposition the pen during the injection.
- After the injection, remove the device from your skin. You may see a small amount of blood or liquid at the injection site. This is normal. Gently press the area with gauze or a cotton ball, and apply a bandage if needed. Do not rub the area.
- Dispose of the device safely. Each Saphnelo syringe or pen contains one dose and should be used only once. Place the used device in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away.
This is not a complete guide. Always review the full Instructions for Use that come with your medicine and are available on the drugmaker’s website. For questions or trouble using Saphnelo, ask your health care provider for help or call the Saphnelo nurse helpline at 866-SAPHNELO (866-727-4635).
What to Expect With Saphnelo Infusion
Saphnelo infusions are given by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. The infusion is typically given once every four weeks. Each infusion takes about 30 minutes.
During an infusion, the medicine is delivered through a needle placed in a vein, usually in the arm. You will likely sit in a treatment chair. You may be able to read, listen to music, or watch TV during the infusion. Your care team may ask you to stay for a short time afterward for monitoring.
Is It Possible to Switch Between Saphnelo Infusion and Injection?
Some patients may switch between infusion and subcutaneous injection depending on their treatment plan.
If you switch from infusion to injection, your first injection is usually given about two weeks after your last infusion.
If you switch from injection to infusion, your first infusion is typically given about three to four weeks after your last injection.
Your health care provider will guide you on the timing of any changes.
Does the Saphnelo Injection Work the Same as the Infusion?
Studies have shown that people with moderate-to-severe SLE who took Saphnelo subcutaneous injections had better control of their lupus symptoms than those who did not receive the medicine, while continuing their usual treatments. This resulted in fewer disease flares and a measurable improvement in how the lupus affected their organ systems and daily life.
In these studies, the side effects seen with the subcutaneous form were similar to those already known for the IV infusion.
This means the subcutaneous option is expected to work in a similar way to the infusion, but it may allow you to take the medicine at home as a weekly injection instead of going to a clinic for a monthly infusion. Your health care provider can help you decide which option may be a better fit for you.
Takeaways
Staying consistent with your treatment plan and using Saphnelo as directed can help the medicine work as intended. Here is a quick recap of key points to keep in mind:
- Saphnelo can be given as a weekly injection under the skin or as an infusion every four weeks.
- The weekly injection is a newer option that allows some people to take the treatment at home themselves.
- Always follow preparation and injection steps carefully, rotate injection sites, and dispose of used syringes safely.
- Your health care provider will guide you on how to switch from the Saphnelo infusion to injection, or vice versa, if switching is right for you.
Contact your health care provider if you have questions about how to use Saphnelo or if you have trouble with the injection process. Your care team can provide guidance and support.
