Learn About The Treatment For Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is symptomatic. Because of this, there is no treatment that can cure the cause of this disease. 

However, there are several treatments that focus on relieving symptoms. Physicians must adapt the treatment to each patient’s specific situation. In addition, the patient must give his consent and know all the benefits and risks.

Today we are going to look at this process.

Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

First of all, let’s look at some of the most common medications used to treat lupus:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Glucocorticoids
• Antimalarial agents
• Immunosuppressive
• Biological therapy

NSAID

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are the painkillers most commonly used for musculoskeletal pain. They are usually recommended over a shorter period of time to reduce the risk of side effects.

These medications he have negative side effects that can affect the digestion, kidneys and cardiovascular system. You should avoid using these if you have or develop kidney problems.

Glucocorticoids

This drug has become a basic treatment for SLE due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It therefore continues to be the most important and effective treatment when it comes to the acute phase of this disease.

Unfortunately, you can not take these medications for an extended period of time. This is because they can be toxic and can cause side effects, including other conditions:

• Osteoporosis
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Diabetes
• Increased risk of infections
• Glaucoma

For these reasons, doctors recommend taking a maximum of 5 mg of prednisone a day, and to stop treatment as soon as possible.  Despite the toxicity, all the complications that this disease causes can be treated with glucocorticoids.

Antimalarial drugs

Chloroquine is the preferred drug for most patients with SLE. They are also the only medication specifically indicated for SLE (for the approval of belimumab, which we will talk about later).

These medications mainly treat:

• Arthritis
• Exhaustion
• Skin problems
• Pericarditis
• General symptoms

Patients often tolerate antimalarial drugs well, and the biggest drawback is possible poisoning on the retina. Because of this, doctors recommend getting a regular eye check.

Doctors can also prescribe this medicine during pregnancy as they regulate the cholesterol levels in the body.

Immunosuppressive

Lupus treatment with immunosuppressants is for patients who do not respond to antimalarials and glucocorticoid therapy.

The most commonly used immunosuppressants to treat this disease are:

• Cyclophosphamide
• Mycophenolate
• Azathioprine
• Methotrexate

Biological therapy

This treatment is still fairly new, so it is still being tested. This therapy uses biological medicine or monoclonal antibodies. The most common types are Belimumab and Rituximab.

Belimumab is the first biological drug to be approved as a specific treatment for SLE, among others.

If the symptoms have not improved after 6 months of use, then the patient should consider stopping using this medicine. Both of these drugs are still being tested.

To learn more about this disease you can also read this article: