Yes, some people with lupus may not be able to tolerate steroids well, or they may find that steroids simply don't work for them. There are a couple of reasons this can happen:
- Steroid resistance — About 30% of people with lupus are thought to be resistant to corticosteroids, meaning their cells don't respond to the drug Show Full Answer
Yes, some people with lupus may not be able to tolerate steroids well, or they may find that steroids simply don't work for them. There are a couple of reasons this can happen:
- Steroid resistance — About 30% of people with lupus are thought to be resistant to corticosteroids, meaning their cells don't respond to the drug at all. This can be due to genetic factors they were born with or mutations that develop over time.
- Sensitivity issues — Some people are less sensitive to steroids from the very start of treatment, also due to changes in their DNA. For those who can't take steroids or want to reduce their use, there are alternative treatments available, such as biologics. These work by targeting specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Examples include:
- Anifrolumab-fnia (Saphnelo)
- Belimumab (Benlysta)
- Rituximab (Rituxan)
It's always best to work closely with a rheumatologist to find the right treatment plan, especially if steroids aren't a good fit. Everyone's lupus journey is different, and there are options out there worth exploring.
September 14
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