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Lupus can range from mild to severe. Severity. How it affects the body. Mild. Joint and skin problems, tiredness. Moderate. Inflammation of other parts of the skin and body, including your lungs, heart and kidneys. Severe. Inflammation causing severe damage to the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys, which can be life- threatening.
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Azathioprine is a milder drug and used for mild to moderate kidney disease, or where its difficult to reduce steroid dosage. Cyclophosphamide, usually given by pulse, is widely used for kidney disease and is very effective. Regular blood testing is required initially 2-3 weekly, subsequently 4-6 weekly whilst on such medication.
- Protecting Yourself from The Sun
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Rituximab
- Belimumab
Exposure to sunlight can sometimes make symptoms such as rashes worse, and it's important to protect your skin when in the sun. This means wearing clothing that covers your skin, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. You will also need to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburn. However, some people with lupus are not sun-sensitive and do n...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)are a common painkilling medication that reduces inflammation in the body. If you experience joint or muscle pain as a result of SLE, you may be prescribed a NSAID to help ease your symptoms. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs for SLE include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ...
Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine that has been used to treat malaria, but is also effective in treating some of the symptoms of SLE, such as rashes, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. You will usually have to take hydroxychloroquine for 6 to 12 weeks before you notice any benefit. Most expert doctors recommend people with SLE take hydroxychloroqui...
Corticosteroidsare a type of medicine that help reduce inflammation quickly. They can be very effective in treating symptoms of SLE, but are usually only prescribed if the condition is severe. If you have severe symptoms of SLE, or if you are experiencing a flare-up, you may be given a large dose of corticosteroids to help bring your symptoms under...
Immunosuppressants are a type of medicine that suppress your immune system. They can help improve your symptoms of SLE by limiting the damage your immune system causes when it attacks healthy parts of your body. Commonly prescribed immunosuppressant medicines include azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide. Immunosupp...
Rituximab is a new type of medication used in people with severe SLE that doesn't respond to other treatments. Rituximab was originally designed to treat certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, but it has since proved effective in treating a number of autoimmune conditions, such as SLE and rheumatoid arthritis. Rituximab works by locking on to a...
Belimumab is a new medication given to people with active SLE who don’t respond to other treatments. It works by binding to growth factors that are needed for the survival of B-cells. It is given directly into your vein over several hours, known as an infusion. The first 3 doses are given 14 days apart, and the medication is usually given once a mo...
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May 13, 2020 · A doctor will need to prescribe some of them – others are available over the counter. The most common medicines used to treat lupus include: Anticoagulants to help prevent blood clots. Anti-inflammatories to help with inflammation and pain. Antimalarials to protect skin from rashes and UV light.
Oct 21, 2022 · Complete blood count. This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets as well as the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Results may indicate you have anemia, which commonly occurs in lupus. A low white blood cell or platelet count may occur in lupus as well. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Jan 23, 2024 · Hydroxychloroquine works by reducing the levels of inflammation and autoantibodies in your body. This can help with lupus symptoms like pain and swelling and can also: improve lupus skin symptoms ...
Sep 6, 2024 · These medications can get expensive, but the drug companies that make them often have patient support programs to help you access them. Other medications: Medications for treating other diseases linked to lupus may also help with symptoms. These medications can include drugs to treat high blood pressure or osteoporosis (progressive loss of bone ...
