Lupus can cause several kinds of health problems with a variety of medicines for treating it. Usually, doctors try out various medications and dosages that may work in combination for each patient. Some treatments that one should know about include
Blood Thinners
If one struggles with blood clots or has antiphospholipid antibodies, then anticoagulants or blood thinner may become part of the treatment.
Hydroxychloroquine and Several Kinds of Antimalarials
Hydroxychloroquine, also called Plaquenil, is a type of antimalarial medicine. It works by lowering proteins in the blood that attack healthy cells and tissues. It could typically take from one to three months to start working. Doctors give many lupus patients hydroxychloroquine to control lupus symptoms with very few side effects.
Though they have to take these medications for the rest of their lives, the efficaciousness of these drugs means that they can consistently
Prevent lupus flares
Help with several lupus skin problems
Reduce pain and inflammation in the body
Lower the dose of other medicines taken for lupus
Prevent blood clots and organ damage from lupus
Steroids
Doctors can use steroids to reduce the activity of overactive white blood cells. Steroids also help stop the inflammation that leads to symptoms of Lupus. Other common names for steroidal medication include glucocorticoids, cortisone, and corticosteroids. Each of these drugs is different from anabolic steroids that athletes may use to enhance performance.
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that are used to treat several diseases. They work by finding and attaching themselves to one kind of substance in the body. Besides the two types of monoclonal antibodies approved to treat lupus, Benlysta also works to treat lupus nephritis in some adults and children over the age of 5 years.
Immunosuppressants
This kind of treatment works by stopping the immune system from attacking healthy tissue in the body. For those struggling with serious lupus symptoms affecting major organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys, medical professionals can recommend immunosuppressive therapy.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)
While NSAIDs are not steroids, they also help reduce inflammation and begin to work within a few short days. They are one of the most common treatment routes for those struggling with typical lupus signs like fever and joint pain.
