While there is no cure for lupus, various medications can help manage symptoms. These include antimalarials, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, and biologics.

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that requires a comprehensive treatment approach.

Due to its complexity, people often require a combination of medications that doctors tailor to their specific symptoms and disease activity. Additionally, since individuals respond differently to treatments, it is essential to work with a doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan.

This article delves into the different types of medications for lupus, including what they are, how they work, and possible side effects.

While there is no cure for lupus, various medications can help manage symptoms.Share on Pinterest
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Antimalarials are medications that doctors use to treat malaria. However, they are also effective in managing lupus. They work by interfering with the communication of cells in the immune system, dampening the body’s atypical response due to lupus.

Antimalarials can help treat lupus by:

  • reducing inflammation and pain
  • preventing lupus flare-ups and improving skin symptoms
  • lowering the dosage needs of other lupus medications

The most common antimalarial for lupus is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). If hydroxychloroquine is unsuitable, doctors might recommend chloroquine (Aralen). These medications are available in pill or liquid form.

Hydroxychloroquine is generally well-tolerable, but some potential side effects include:

In some cases, long-term or high dose use of antimalarials can cause eye damage, such as retinopathy. Doctors recommendTrusted Source regular eye exams for those on long-term therapy.

Corticosteroids, also known as steroids, are powerful drugs that can quickly reduce inflammation. They work by suppressing the immune system, reducing the overactive immune response relating to lupus. Corticosteroids can control both acute flare-ups and chronic symptoms.

The most common corticosteroid that doctors prescribe for lupus is prednisone. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may prescribe other types, such as:

While effective, corticosteroids can cause significant side effects, especially with long-term use. These include:

Doctors usuallyTrusted Source prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time to minimize these risks.

NSAIDs relieve or reduce pain relating to lupus, particularly in the joints and muscles. They work by blocking enzymes that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever.

Doctors usually prescribe NSAIDs for mild lupus symptoms or in combination with other medications. Depending on a person’s needs, a doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs.

Common NSAIDs includeTrusted Source:

They can cause side effects such as:

If an individual cannot take NSAIDs, a doctor may prescribe alternative treatments.

Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the immune system to reduce the damage due to lupus. Doctors may prescribe them when lupus affects vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, or lungs.

Sometimes, doctors prescribe these medications when other treatments have been ineffective.

Common immunosuppressants for lupus include:

The use of immunosuppressants carries a risk of being more prone to infections due to the drug’s effect on the immune system. Other potential side effects include:

Biologics, sometimes known as biological medical therapy, are a newer class of drugs that target specific components of the immune system involved in lupus.

Biologics work by suppressing the activity of B cells in the immune system, which play a significant role in the development of lupus. By targeting these cells, biologics can help reduce disease activity and prevent flare-ups.

Some biologics for lupus include:

Doctors generally reserve the use of biologics for people who do not respond to other treatments. This is because they can cause side effects, including:

What is the best medication for lupus?

There is no single best medication for lupus, as the disease course varies significantly from person to person. Various medications can help manage the condition, including those that address specific symptoms, treat more severe complications, and prevent flare-ups.

Doctors may consider hydroxychloroquine a cornerstone of lupus treatment due to its ability to reduce flares and protect against long-term damage.

Can you live with lupus without medication?

Doctors do not recommend living with lupus and not taking medication. While some people may experience very mild symptoms, most will require medication to control their symptoms and prevent serious complications.

Without treatment, lupus can lead to significant organ damage and reduce life expectancy.

How do you calm a lupus flare-up?

Doctors may advise people to get rest and avoid triggers, such as stress or sunlight, to calm a lupus flare-up.

Early intervention is key to managing flare-ups. A doctor may also increase the dose of corticosteroids or prescribe other medications, such as NSAIDs or immunosuppressants.

How do you stop lupus from progressing?

Preventing lupus progression can involve a combination of:

  • adhering to medications
  • following lifestyle changes, such as following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
  • engaging in regular monitoring
  • avoiding known triggers
  • managing stress

Some medications, such as hydroxychloroquine, can also help prevent disease progression.

While there is no cure for lupus, a doctor may recommend medications such as antimalarials, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressants, and biologics to manage the disease. Sometimes, a combination of medications is necessary.

Certain factors, such as disease severity, affected organs, and the person’s response to therapy, all influence a doctor’s choice of lupus medications.

With the right combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments, many people with lupus can lead active, fulfilling lives. However, close medical supervision is essential to manage the disease effectively and prevent complications.