Medications
Calcineurin Inhibitors and Lupus
Calcineurin inhibitors are important medications for lupus that are particularly important for people with...
Monoclonal Antibodies, the Immune System, and Lupus
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules. They help the immune system to target...
Glucocorticoids and Lupus
Is it safe to stop taking or taper down glucocorticoids when lupus symptoms abate? Glucocorticoid medications are extremely powerful drugs for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. One of the most common, Prednisone, is considered a gold standard for lupus...
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction & Chronic Pain
Many Lupus Warriors are familiar with chronic pain -- the kind that lasts for months or even years. Mindfulness-based stress reduction may offer relief, according to a recent meta-analysis. Sharp pangs. Dull aches. Tingling. Pain comes in many sensations, but all are unpleasant and can interfere with daily...
Remission and Lupus
Although lupus is not a curable disease, it can be treated to the point where people no longer experience symptoms. This is called remission. Remission is a term used to describe the reduction, into nothing, of the symptoms of an autoimmune or chronic disease for three...
Over the Counter Medications, Interactions, and Lupus
Many Lupus Warriors rely on over the counter medications to control their symptoms, but be careful – some may interact with lupus medications. Over the counter medications, also known as OTCs, are legal drugs that can be purchased 'over the counter' at local grocery stories or pharmacies without...
Patient Self-Efficacy and Lupus
Medical compliance, or the proper use of prescribed therapies and medications, is important to the health of people with lupus, but approximately 50% of people with lupus are noncompliant. Why? And how can this be fixed? Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that...
Anticoagulants and Lupus
Anticoagulants are an important tool for maintaining heart, lung, and brain health for people with lupus. Blood clots are a major issue for people with lupus. People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at higher risks of strokes, heart attacks, embolisms, and are...
Antimalarial Drugs and Lupus
Antimalarial drugs are medications that were originally used to treat malaria. But, research shows they are also highly effective at combatting lupus. Antimalarials are used to treat malaria, a parasitic infection caused by the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The parasite eats red blood cells, causing...
Hydroxychloroquine and NSAIDs: Protecting the Organs
Hydroxychloroquine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are important medications for people with lupus that can protect against organ damage in SLE. There are many lupus medications, including the ever-important corticosteroids. However, two in particular stand out as low-cost, well-tolerated treatments that help to limit organ damage:
Painkillers, Pain Management, and Lupus
Pain is an unfortunate part of lupus, and one of its most debilitating symptoms. Painkillers are a broad category of medications that can help reduce pain. Let's take a closer look. What Are Pain Medications? Pain medications are medicines that relieve aches and pains. Each...