1. Reduce Inflammation With NSAIDs
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of organs and body tissues. People who have SLE create antibodies that cause their immune systems to attack their own organs and tissues, thereby causing chronic, sometimes severe, inflammation in the body. While there is no cure for systemic lupus, doctors can treat the side effects, namely inflammation, associated with SLE. As a first course of treatment, many doctors will instruct their patients to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These drugs can help minimize inflammation in the body due to systemic lupus. However, NSAIDs do have some negative side effects of their own, including stomach pain, nausea and bleeding. Doctors will usually try to find the NSAID that the specific patient tolerates best.
2. Corticosteroids Help Prevent Organ Damage
If NSAIDs don't help relieve inflammation due to SLE, a doctor may suggest the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone. These drugs can work more effectively than NSAIDs in decreasing the inflammation of organs. Patients can take corticosteroids by mouth, intravenously or via injection. Corticosteroids can cause some negative side effects in lupus patients, however. These side effects include weight gain, susceptibility to infection and the thinning of bones. Doctors will often try to treat patients with SLE using the lowest dose of a corticosteroid that still effectively helps minimize inflammation.
3. Consider Immunosuppressive Drugs
Immunosuppressive drugs, also known as cytotoxic drugs, can help patients with severe systemic lupus, even when NSAIDs and corticosteroids don't. These drugs work well in reducing the inflammation of body organs. However, cytotoxic drugs can cause bleeding and increase the risk of developing serious infections. Patients taking cytotoxic drugs must have careful monitoring of their blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma) to check for bleeding or other blood disorders. Examples of immunosuppressive drugs include azathioprine and cyclophosphamide.
4. Use an Antimalarial Medication
The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can also help patients with severe SLE. This drug works to reduce inflammation in the joints and the skin. It can also help reduce the fatigue often experienced by lupus patients. Plaquenil can also help prevent blood clots in patients with SLE.
5. Rest Does a Body Good
Aside from taking various drugs to treat systemic lupus, getting plenty of rest at home can also help treat the disease. While rest will not decrease inflammation directly, it can help patients with active systemic lupus feel better sooner. By resting the joints and muscles and by stockpiling energy, patients can reduce the length of time of active lupus outbreaks.
