How to Use Corticosteroids to Treat Lupus

Corticosteroids are produced naturally by your body's glands and can be a great way to treat lupus. When you have lupus, your body will attack some of its own good cells. Corticosteroids naturally suppress your immune system and stop some of your cells from attacking your body. You can use corticosteroids to treat lupus with great success in many cases, but they do have side effects to be aware of as well. Read on to learn how to use corticosteroids to treat lupus.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your corticosteroid medication immediately after a meal or before a meal to help prevent an upset stomach.

• 2

  Drink a glass of water with your corticosteroid pills. If you are taking the liquid form of this drug, be sure you shake it up for five to seven minutes to mix all the ingredients well before taking it.

• 3

  Put your corticosteroids in a secure place away from light and heat sources. Be sure that the medicine is sealed properly to prevent small children from accidentally getting into it.

• 4

  Keep track of the amount of medicine you have left. Missing a few days dosage can cause some side effects, so be sure to refill your prescription a full week before it runs out.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about how corticosteroids are helping your lupus. These medications are fairly serious and can be expensive, so it is important to know if it is the right treatment for you.