There is currently no cure for lupus, nor has there been a new
drug to treat the disease in the last 50 years, although there are a
number of new drugs currently being researched or in clinical trials.
However, early diagnosis and proper medical treatment can
significantly help control the disease and its symptoms. Treating lupus
effectively consists of minimizing symptoms, reducing inflammation and
pain, helping maintain normal
function, and preventing serious complications.
Since the disease affects each person differently, treatments are
usually tailored to the specific problems that arise in each person.
Medications and dosages will also vary
depending on the severity of the disease.
When lupus presents with mild or moderate symptoms, the following medications are commonly used in treatment:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). Common side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding and an increased risk of heart problems.
- Antimalarial drugs such as Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). There is no known relationship between lupus and malaria, but malaria medicines have been useful in treating lupus symptoms and haven prevented flares of the disease. Side effects include vision problems and muscle weakness.
- Corticosteroids to counter inflammation. Serious long-term side effects include weight gain, easy bruising, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and increased risk of infection. The risk of osteoporosis can be reduced by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
When lupus presents with severe or aggressive symptoms, the following treatments are commonly used:
- High-dose corticosteroids. These may be taken intravenously or orally to control dangerous signs or symptoms of lupus. However, serious side effects have been observed such as infections, mood swings, hypertension and osteoporosis. Doctors tend to administer the lowest dose possible that will control symptoms, reducing the dosage over time.
- Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and azathioprine (Imuran). These drugs suppress the immune system and may be helpful in serious lupus cases. They also carry a risk of serious side effects such as an increased risk of infection, liver damage, infertility and an increased risk of cancer.
Other common treatments for specific signs and symptoms of lupus include:
- Staying out of the sun and wearing sun block to prevent skin rashes. Indoor fluorescent lighting can also trigger skin rashes in some people with lupus. Topical corticoid steroids may be used to treat skin rashes in addition to oral steroids and antimalarial drugs.
- Medication to treat fatigue. Difficulty sleeping, depression and poorly controlled pain are all potential causes of fatigue, and doctors will treat these underlying causes. Medications such as corticosteroids and antimalarial drugs may be used if the cause of fatigue cannot be determined.
- NSAIDs, antimalarial drugs or corticosteroids to treat swelling around the heart and lungs that causes chest pain.
In addition to medications, physicians recommend that lupus patients
take good care of themselves. Patients may see a reduction in the
frequency and severity of flares if
they make healthy lifestyle choices such as:
- Regular exercise.
- Becoming educated about lupus.
- Not smoking.
- Eating a healthful, balanced diet.
- Surrounding oneself with a support system of family, friends, and health professionals.
Recent developments on lupus diagnosis and treatment from MNT news
Yale University have reported the development of a nanogel-based delivery system that targets an immunosuppressive drug (mycophenolic acid) directly to tissues associated with immune cells. Their studies suggest that future nanogel-based therapies may prove useful in the treatment of lupus.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have discovered an immune protein influencing autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The researchers think a new mutation of the immune protein may help scientists develop more personalized autoimmune disease treatments.
Yale University have reported the development of a nanogel-based delivery system that targets an immunosuppressive drug (mycophenolic acid) directly to tissues associated with immune cells. Their studies suggest that future nanogel-based therapies may prove useful in the treatment of lupus.
Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have discovered an immune protein influencing autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The researchers think a new mutation of the immune protein may help scientists develop more personalized autoimmune disease treatments.
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