Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, better known simply as SLE, is the most common form of lupus in the world. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system accidentally attacks itself, mistaking healthy parts of the body for foreign invaders. When this happens, SLE can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the brain, joints, skin, kidneys, blood vessels, and more.
As with most autoimmune diseases, there is no permanent cure for SLE and other forms of lupus. There are, however, treatments that can keep Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
in check and prevent it from causing inflammation throughout the body. It is important to pursue these treatments because, while some forms of SLE are mild, it can also be a life-threatening condition.
The exact treatment for SLE will vary from person to person depending on your symptoms and which part of the body is being affected. In most cases, however, medications are the first course of treatment.
Hydroxychloroquine is one of the most popular medications used to treat lupus, regardless of what part of the body is being affected. Hydroxychloroquine is classified as an antirheumatic drug, which means it cuts down on inflammation and other symptoms of SLE by slowing down your immune system. Hydroxychloroquine is often the first course of treatment but will usually be accompanied by other medications.
NSAIDs, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are over-the-counter medications that can help with symptoms of lupus. NSAIDs can help with the pain and inflammation caused by lupus and are a good option if your symptoms are not too bad. NSAIDs include household staples like Tylenol, Aleve, and Ibuprofen and are readily available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
While lupus is not exactly like malaria, the two diseases affect the body very similarly. Therefore, antimalarial drugs, like doxycycline and primaquine, can help with the symptoms of lupus, such as pain and inflammation. Antimalarial drugs can also slow down your immune system and keep it from harming itself.
Because inflammation is the primary symptom and danger of SLE, corticosteroids are commonly prescribed. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and budesonide, reduce inflammation and help your body heal itself.
At its core, all of the dangerous and painful symptoms caused by SLE happen because of an overactive and defective immune system. Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and azathioprine, slow down your immune system and keep it from hurting itself. Immunosuppressants are only used when lupus is very serious because a slowed immune system puts you at risk for other conditions.
Unfortunately, even though medications are the best and only treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other forms of lupus, they may have unwanted side effects.
In most cases, the side effects of SLE medications are fairly mild as long as you take them according to your doctor’s specifications and directions.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a serious and fairly common autoimmune condition that can severely impact your way of life. Although there is no cure for lupus, the condition is very treatable. The sooner you get it diagnosed and start a treatment plan, the less likely SLE is to alter your life severely. In most cases, people with SLE go on to live full and healthy lives as long as they continue taking their medications.