What Is Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus, which is an autoimmune disease, The immune system in those with lupus attacks its own tissues, leading to tissue damage and widespread inflammation in the affected organs. Lupus can affect the blood vessels, kidneys, joints, brain, lungs, and skin. SLE symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. The causes of SLE are unknown, yet are believed to be linked to genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with lupus include extreme fatigue, skin rashes, chronic fevers, pain and swelling in the joints and muscles, anemia, hair loss, mouth ulcers, clinical depression, chronic headaches, sensitivity to light, weight loss, and water retention. In some cases, symptoms of lupus may come and go, as the body can go into remission for months, even years, only to have it come back with a vengeance. Early diagnosis and proper treatments can help reduce the effects of SLE, leading to a better quality of life.
Less effective treatments or poor access to care can increase the long-term damages of SLE, increasing the risk of death. Those with lupus may experience a decrease in quality of life—physically, mentally, and socially. The longer a person lives with SLE, the less likely they are to be a part of the workforce. Diagnosing lupus requires blood tests, x-rays, and a physical examination, although a blood test does not always definitively diagnose lupus.
Attorney Scott Glovsky In “Global Autoimmune Institute” Feature
FDA Approved Drugs Used for Treating Lupus
Since lupus can cause a lot of different health problems, there are a variety of medications used to treat it. Antimalarials like Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) work by reducing proteins in the blood that attack healthy tissues and cells. Antimalarials—aside from treating malaria—can reduce the pain and inflammation of lupus and prevent flare-ups of lupus as well as the skin problems that may accompany SLE. Drugs like Plaquenil can also help prevent blood clots and organ damage, usually taking1-3 months to begin working.
Steroids, like glucocorticoids, cortisone, or corticosteroids, can be prescribed for lupus to help reduce inflammation and pain. NSAIDs can be used to help control the pain of lupus. These may be OTC NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve), or prescription NSAIDs like Relafen, Indocin, or Celebrex. Other types of medications used for lupus include immunosuppressives which p