Is Saphnelo Infusion the Right Treatment for Your Lupus in Edgewater, MD?

Saphnelo is delivered via intravenous (IV) infusion, typically every four weeks. This pathway is known to contribute significantly to the inflammation and immune system dysregulation seen in lupus. By targeting this mechanism, Saphnelo can help reduce disease activity and improve lupus-related symptoms.

Clinical studies have shown that Saphnelo can be effective for patients who have not responded adequately to other standard lupus treatments. Patients have experienced improvements in joint pain, skin symptoms, and overall reduction in disease activity. Importantly, Saphnelo may also allow some patients to lower their doses of oral corticosteroids, helping to decrease the risk of steroid-related side effects.

Our Approach at Nasseri Clinic
At Nasseri Clinic, our board-certified rheumatologists work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. If you have moderate to severe lupus that has not responded well to conventional therapies, Saphnelo may be an option to help better control your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you have moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and continue to experience active symptoms despite standard treatments—such as corticosteroids, antimalarials, or immunosuppressants—Saphnelo (anifrolumab) infusion may be an option to consider.

When you come to our clinic, your rheumatologist will thoroughly review your medical history and the details of your lupus, including the severity and type of symptoms, any organ involvement, and your response to previous medications. Saphnelo is not suitable for everyone, specifically those with severe, active lupus nephritis (kidney involvement) or active lupus affecting the central nervous system. Our team will also consider other health conditions and evaluate your risk for infections, as Saphnelo can impact your immune system.

Getting Ready for Saphnelo at Our Clinic
Before starting Saphnelo, your physician will perform a comprehensive assessment—including a review of your medications, allergy history, and vaccination status. We may recommend certain vaccines before treatment to help reduce your risk of infection.

Personalized Discussion of Benefits and Risks
We are committed to open communication, and your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and possible side effects of Saphnelo, such as infusion reactions, respiratory infections, and shingles. Your questions and concerns are always welcome, and we encourage you to be an active participant in your care.

Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a recently approved medication for adults with moderate to severe lupus who are already on standard therapies, and we are pleased to offer this innovative infusion treatment as part of our comprehensive lupus care program.

One of the key benefits of Saphnelo is its targeted mechanism of action. By blocking the type I interferon receptor—a major driver of lupus-related inflammation—Saphnelo helps to specifically suppress the immune pathways responsible for lupus activity. This targeted approach may offer our patients improved disease control without the widespread immune suppression seen with some traditional immunosuppressive medications.

Clinical Benefits for Our Patients
Clinical trials and real-world experience have demonstrated that Saphnelo can significantly reduce lupus disease activity, particularly in patients with more severe symptoms or those who have not responded adequately to other treatments. At Nasseri Clinic, we have seen that many patients experience relief from challenging skin and joint symptoms—two of the most common and difficult-to-treat aspects of lupus.

Another important advantage of Saphnelo is its potential to reduce the need for oral corticosteroids. Reducing steroid use helps minimize long-term side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and increased infection risk, which is a top priority in our approach to patient care.

Saphnelo may be considered for adult patients with moderate to severe SLE who have not achieved adequate disease control with standard therapies.

Our rheumatology specialists carefully evaluate each patient to determine if Saphnelo is an appropriate addition to their treatment plan, especially for those whose lupus remains active despite conventional treatments. It’s important to note that Saphnelo is not recommended for individuals with severe active lupus nephritis or central nervous system lupus, as its safety and efficacy for these manifestations have not yet been fully established.

If you are a patient and are considering Saphnelo, we encourage you to discuss your full medical history and current medications with your rheumatologist. Our team will review the potential benefits, risks, and possible side effects to ensure a personalized and safe approach to your care.

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date and effective treatments for patients living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For individuals whose lupus symptoms remain active despite standard therapies, Saphnelo (anifrolumab) infusion offers a promising new option.

Saphnelo is an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody designed for adults with moderate to severe lupus who have not fully responded to traditional treatments. By targeting type I interferon receptors—key drivers of inflammation in lupus—Saphnelo can help reduce disease flares and improve symptom control.

Under the expertise of Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, our team carefully evaluates each patient’s unique disease profile, medical history, and response to previous therapies. We understand that lupus affects everyone differently, and treatment decisions must be individualized. During your consultation, Dr. Nasseri will:

• Review your current and past lupus treatments
• Assess the severity and pattern of your symptoms
• Discuss your overall health and any other conditions you may have
• Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Saphnelo infusion in your specific case

If Saphnelo is recommended for your lupus management, our clinic provides infusion services in a comfortable and safe setting. The medication is given intravenously once every four weeks, and most patients tolerate it well. Dr. Nasseri and our infusion team will closely monitor you during and after each treatment for any side effects, including infusion reactions or infections. We also provide thorough education about what to watch for and how to address any concerns between visits. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3168 Braverton St., Suite 330B, Edgewater, MD 21037. We serve patients from Edgewater MD, Riva MD, Davidsonville MD, Annapolis MD, and surrounding areas.