Treatments for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The treatment and management of lupus is centered around drugs to minimize disease activity and prevent flare-ups. Because the cause is unknown, its inflammatory mechanisms are the target of medication.

Lupus is a chronic, lifelong disease. Many people with lupus lead relatively normal lives. Some are moderately debilitated and a few are very ill. Early attention to your lifestyle can help minimize the effects of lupus.

The most dangerous complication of lupus is lupus nephritis, which can destroy your kidney function and require dialysis or a transplant to keep you alive. Current medications help prevent this complication.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Alternative and complementary therapies

Surgery is not a standard treatment option for lupus. However, if you have lupus nephritis and it leads to kidney failure, you may need to have a kidney transplant.

References

American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/ .

Lupus Foundation of America website. Available at: http://www.lupus.org/ .

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Update Date: 09/26/2011

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.