There are several medication options available for managing lupus, ranging from older tried-and-true treatments to newer, cutting-edge therapies. Here's a quick overview:
Established treatments
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) – help with pain, fever, and inflammation
- Antimalarials (like hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil) Show Full Answer
There are several medication options available for managing lupus, ranging from older tried-and-true treatments to newer, cutting-edge therapies. Here's a quick overview:
Established treatments:
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) – help with pain, fever, and inflammation
- Antimalarials (like hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil) – often one of the first prescribed, helps reduce flares and organ damage
- Corticosteroids (like prednisone) – powerful inflammation fighters, usually used short-term
- Immunosuppressants (like methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine) – used when organs like kidneys or lungs are involved Newer biologic treatments:
- Belimumab (Benlysta) – FDA-approved, can be self-injected at home or given as an IV infusion
- Anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo) – given as an IV infusion at a hospital or clinic
- Rituximab – used off-label as an IV infusion
These biologics target specific parts of the immune system rather than suppressing it entirely, which can be a big advantage. On the horizon:
CAR T-cell therapy is showing exciting early promise in 2024 research. It works by reprogramming your own immune cells to fight lupus in a new way. It's not yet approved, but could become an option in the near future — so watch this space! 🔬
It's worth having a conversation with a rheumatologist about which combination of treatments best fits your specific situation, as lupus is highly individual. It can sometimes take a few tries to find the right fit, so patience is key.
September 5
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