Medication for Lupus

There is currently no cure for lupus. However, medication can help manage the disease and treat symptoms.

​*Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

*Lupus in this context refers to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Anticoagulants - help prevent blood clots

Anti-inflammatories - help with inflammation and pain

Antimalarials - protect skin from rashes and UV light

Biologics - help your immune system work correctly

Immunosuppressives - help keep your immune system from attacking your body

Steroids - help with inflammation

See a word you don't understand? Find it in our glossary.

Antimalarials reduce pain and inflammation, prevent lupus flares, and can lower the dose (amount you need to take) of other lupus medicines. They were originally used to treat malaria.

• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

• Chloroquine (Aralen)

• Quinacrine (Atabrine)

Most lupus patients take hydroxychloroquine throughout their lives as 1-2 tablets daily.

Side effects:

Uncommon. Occasionally can cause rash or upset stomach. If the dose is too high, may lead to eye damage.

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced by your body. Synthetic corticosteroids mimic the effects of natural corticosteroids and are very effective for reducing inflammation. They can be taken by mouth, injection, or topically to treat lupus-related rashes.

*Steroids you take for lupus (corticosteroids) are different from the steroids that some athletes take to enhance their performance (anabolic steroids).

• Prednisone - Most commonly prescribed for lupus.

• Prednisolone

• Hydrocortisone

• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

• Dexamethasone (Decadron)

• Triamcinolone

• Topical Steroids

Side effects:

Include acne, irritability, insomnia, weight gain, loss of bone density, stomach irritation, and more.

Due to the many side effects, corticosteroids are usually only prescribed only when other medications are not sufficient enough to control the disease.

NSAIDs reduce inflammation but are not steroids. They are the most common treatment for typical lupus symptoms like fever and joint pain.

Includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Indomethacin (Indocin)

• Nabumetone (Relafen)

• Celecoxib (Celebrex)

• Aspirin

Some NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (without a prescription), but you need a prescription for others.

Side effects:

Mainly affect digestive system. Can cause indigestion, ulcers, and haemorrhage (excessive bleeding).

Can damage kidneys. Generally avoided by those with lupus nephritis.

Immunosuppressants lower immune system activity to control an overactive immune system. Your doctor may recommend immunosuppressants to manage serious lupus symptoms that affect your kidneys, brain, skin, or other organs.

• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)

• Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)

• Azathioprine (Imuran)

• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

• Voclosporin (Lupkynis)

Side effects:

Because immunosuppressants weaken your immune system, they make it harder for your body to fight infection. It is important to take extra precautions to protect yourself from infection, such as washing your hands often, cleaning and protecting cuts and wounds, and avoiding others with contagious illnesses.

Lupus can cause blood clotting, especially if you have antiphospholipid antibodies or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Anticoagulants help prevent blood clots. They don’t actually make your blood thinner but instead inhibit production of certain proteins in your liver that cause blood to clot.

• Heparin

• Warfarin (Coumadin)

• Low-dose aspirin

Side effects:

Can cause haemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding). Signs include heavy bleeding from a cut, very heavy bleeding during menstruation, red or brown urine, vomiting or coughing up blood, or feeling dizzy or weak.

Biologics are manufactured from living cells.

• Belimumab (Benlysta) - Reduces the activity of B cells.

• Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) - Inhibits a protein in the immune system.

Side effects:

Can cause nausea, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, and increased risk of infection.

Lupus and medication | Better Health Channel

Medications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | NYU Langone Health

Medications used to treat lupus | Lupus Foundation of America

Treating Lupus with Anti-Malarial Drug | Johns Hopkins Lupus Center

Treating Lupus with Steroids | Johns Hopkins Lupus Center