What Is Saphnelo Infusion and How Can It Help Manage Your Condition in North Baltimore, MD?

Saphnelo is a monoclonal antibody designed to target the underlying immune system dysfunction seen in lupus. It is administered as an intravenous infusion, typically once every four weeks, under the supervision of our experienced rheumatology team.

In conditions like lupus, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue. Saphnelo works by blocking the type I interferon receptor, a key contributor to inflammation in lupus. By interrupting this pathway, Saphnelo helps to reduce disease activity and improve symptoms.

Saphnelo is generally recommended for patients with moderate to severe lupus who have not achieved adequate control with standard therapies. At the Nasseri Clinic, we assess each patient individually to determine the best treatment plan, which may include Saphnelo in combination with other medications.

Saphnelo is a prescription medication approved to help manage lupus, a complex autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, and multiple organs. It is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically every four weeks, right here in our clinic under the supervision of our experienced rheumatology team.

Saphnelo targets and blocks the type I interferon receptor, a key driver of inflammation and immune system overactivity in lupus. By reducing this pathway’s activity, Saphnelo can help decrease inflammation throughout your body. This may lead to improvements in lupus symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and organ involvement.

While Saphnelo is not a cure for lupus, it can be an important tool for managing symptoms and controlling disease activity. As with any medication, there are potential side effects, including respiratory infections, infusion reactions, and headaches. Our clinicians will carefully assess your health status and discuss whether Saphnelo is an appropriate option for you.

A good candidate for Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) infusion therapy is typically an adult diagnosed with moderate to severe SLE whose disease remains active despite standard therapies.

Our experienced rheumatologists carefully evaluate each patient’s individual case before recommending Saphnelo. This assessment includes a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, current medications, and specific lupus symptoms. Saphnelo is not suitable for individuals with lupus nephritis or active, severe central nervous system lupus, so our team ensures these manifestations are not present before considering this therapy. Additionally, patients with a history of serious infections or known hypersensitivity to anifrolumab-fnia may not be appropriate candidates.

If you are living with moderate to severe SLE and have not responded adequately to other treatments, the expert team at Nasseri Clinic can determine whether Saphnelo infusion therapy is right for you. Our goal is to provide personalized, evidence-based care to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is an intravenous medication approved for adults with moderate to severe SLE who are receiving standard therapy.

What to Expect During Your Saphnelo Infusion
After your initial evaluation and approval for Saphnelo therapy by our rheumatology team, your infusions will be scheduled every four weeks. Each treatment is administered right here in our clinic by our experienced infusion nurses, ensuring you receive expert care in a comfortable and safe environment.

When you arrive for your appointment, a member of our clinical staff will insert an intravenous (IV) line, typically in your arm. The Saphnelo infusion takes about 30 minutes, during which you will be monitored closely for any side effects or allergic reactions. Our clinic is fully equipped to manage any infusion-related issues, and our staff is trained to make the experience as smooth as possible.

After your infusion, we may ask you to remain at the clinic briefly so we can observe you for any immediate side effects. Please let your team know if you experience symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or swelling after your visit.

Our rheumatologists and nursing team are always available to answer your questions and provide personalized recommendations throughout your treatment with Saphnelo.

At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we understand how challenging it can be to manage moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Many of our patients struggle with persistent symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes, and often find that traditional therapies—including steroids and immunosuppressants—may not provide adequate relief or may cause undesirable side effects.

As part of our commitment to offering the latest advances in rheumatologic care, the Nasseri Clinic is proud to provide Saphnelo (anifrolumab) infusion therapy for eligible lupus patients. Saphnelo is a cutting-edge monoclonal antibody treatment that targets the type I interferon receptor, a major contributor to lupus inflammation. Clinical research has demonstrated that Saphnelo can significantly reduce disease activity and flares in many patients whose lupus has not responded well to other medications.

Under the guidance of Dr. Nasser Nasseri, MD, our clinic takes a personalized approach to lupus care. Dr. Nasseri carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatment responses to determine whether Saphnelo infusion is an appropriate next step. Our goal is to tailor every treatment plan to the unique needs of each individual, maximizing both effectiveness and safety.

If you are living with lupus and have not achieved the symptom control you need, Saphnelo may offer a new avenue of hope. At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we are dedicated to helping you find the most effective, evidence-based treatment for your condition. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3333 N. Calvert St, Suite 540B, Baltimore, MD 21218. We serve patients from North Baltimore MD, Dundalk MD, Halethrope MD, Ferndale MD, Yorktown MD, and surrounding areas.