What Are the Treatments for Lupus Disease?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, bodywide inflammation. Inflammation typically affects joints and many different organs. Until recently, the prognosis for lupus wasn't good; however, current medication can effectively treat, but not cure, lupus.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a variety of lupus symptoms, usually only for short periods. Ongoing use can lead to many serious side effects.

NSAIDs

• NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen, and they can be obtained in prescription strength for lupus treatments. Although NSAIDs have side effects, they are generally less severe than those associated with corticosteroids.

Antimalarial Medications

• There is no connection between lupus and malaria, but pharmaceuticals for the latter have proven effective in reducing symptoms and flare-ups of lupus. Plaquenil is the most common antimalarial drug used in this way.

Immunosuppressants

• Lupus disease causes the body's immune system to attack its organs and tissue. Medications that inhibit immune system functions, such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide, can therefore be used to treat lupus. These drugs can have serious side effects.

Stem Cell Transplant

• Extensive research is currently under way for using stem cell transplants to rebuild lupus patients' immune systems to treat and possibly cure the disease. For now, focus is on lupus cases with a high probability of fatality.