How is lupus treated?
The majority of symptoms of lupus are due to inflammation and so the treatment is aimed at reducing that inflammation. This can be done through a number of different medications. There are four families of medications used in the treatment of lupus. They include: + Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs – drugs such as Ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin), Naproxen, Naprosyn (Aleve), Clinoril, Feldene, Voltaren, to name a few. + Corticosteroids – drugs such as prednisone, prednisolone, medrol, deltasone, cortisone and others. + Anti-malarials – these have been found to be effective in treating the joint pain, skin rashes and ulcers that some people develop on the inside of their nose or mouth. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is probably the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial drug. There is, of course, no known relationship between lupus and malaria. + The fourth family of medications, immunosuppressants/chemotherapy, is generally reserved for those individuals who have the most severe flares of
There is no known cure for lupus, but there are effective treatments. Most of the symptoms of lupus are from inflammation (swelling), so treatment focuses on reducing the swelling. Treatment may include taking these medicines: • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are often used to reduce joint and muscle pain and inflammation in people who have mild SLE (pain isn’t bad or organs aren’t affected). There are many different types of NSAIDs, both prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other medicines. Common side effects of NSAIDs can include stomach upset, heartburn, drowsiness, headache, and fluid retention. If you have any side effects, talk to your HCP. NSAIDs can also cause problems in your blood, liver, and kidneys. Stay in touch with your HCP to ensure these problems aren’t happening to you. • Antimalarial drugs.
The majority of lupus symptoms are due to inflammation & so the treatment is aimed at reducing that inflammation. There are four families of medications used in the treatment of lupus- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antimalarials, & cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy). For more information see the medications page.
The majority of symptoms of lupus are due to inflammation and so the treatment is aimed at reducing that inflammation. This can be done through a number of different medications. There are four families of medications used in the treatment of lupus. They include: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs – drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil & Motrin), naproxen, (Naprosyn & Aleve), sulindac (Clinoril), piroxicam (Feldene), diclofenac (Voltaren) to name a few. Corticosteroids – drugs such as prednisone, prednisolone, medrol, deltasone, cortisone and others. Anti-malarials – these have been found to be effective in treating the joint pain, skin rashes and ulcers that some people develop on the inside of their nose or mouth. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is probably the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial drug in the United States. There is no known relationship between lupus and malaria. The fourth family of medications, immunosuppressants (or immunomodulating) /chemotherapy, is generally rese
