Once you have been diagnosed with Lupus the treatment should be started at the earliest. The sooner it begins the better it is.
You will receive lupus treatment depending on the symptoms, the severity of your condition, and the organ involvement. Mild cases don’t always need special medications or treatment.
Lupus is treated by a range of medications:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs or pain medications are generally used for patients of SLE with arthritis.
- Steroids
Steroids can be used in low doses for arthritis in SLE. You may also need to take steroids in higher doses if lupus is affecting your internal organs.
- Immunosuppressants
For serious cases of lupus, immunosuppressive drugs may be effective including azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclosporine & Cyclophosphamide.
- Biologics
Biological treatment in form of Rituximab and Belimumab(not available in India) is also available and may be used by rheumatologists whenever needed.
Consult your doctor before taking any treatments.
Due to the fact lupus may be having different presentations at different times, you should visit your rheumatologist regularly.
Dr. Ashish K Badika has 3 years of advanced training in Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology including 2 years Post Doctoral.
He has extensive exposure to Systemic Autoimmune Disorder (Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Seronegative spondyloarthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Scleroderma, Gout, Myositis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Vasculitic conditions, and Paediatric rheumatology disorders).