Understanding Your Lupus Care: Management and Treatment
It is important to remember that your treatment may differ from others living with lupus as lupus may present differently from one person to the next. Which is why it is important that you work with members of your health care team to develop the right treatment plan for you. Your treatment plan may depend on your age, symptoms, general health, and lifestyle.
Currently Available Treatment Options
Working with your healthcare team, you will find the right combination of medicines to control your symptoms, though it may take time to determine what is best for you and your health as it relates to lupus.
Medicines Most Commonly Prescribed to Treat Lupus
Anti-inflammatories like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids like prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone
Antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) and chloroquine
Biologics like the monoclonal antibodies belimumab (Benlysta®) and anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo®)
Immunosuppressives like cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®), methotrexate (Rheumatrex™), and azathioprine (Imuran®)
Anticoagulants like aspirin, heparin (Calciparine®), and warfarin (Coumadin®)
Additional Potential Therapies
People with lupus may also require additional therapies to treat conditions often seen with the disease. For example:
Diuretics for fluid retention
Antihypertensive drugs for high blood pressure
Anticonvulsantsfor seizure disorders
Antibiotics for infections
Bone-strengthening drugs for osteoporosis
For more information on treatment plans please speak with your healthcare team.