Medications
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction & Chronic Pain
Many Lupus Warriors are familiar with chronic pain -- the kind that lasts for...
Remission and Lupus
Although lupus is not a curable disease, it can be treated to the point...
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...
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Fertility, and Lupus
Fertility problems are common. Some women turn to in vitro fertilization to help get pregnant. While effective, it can add additional challenges for Lupus Warriors. In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a type of fertility treatment that uses hormone treatments. It works like this: Hormone treatments...
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:
Monoclonal Antibodies, the Immune System, and Lupus
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules. They help the immune system to target and attack foreign invaders. And, when it comes to managing lupus, they offer hope for new treatments. The immune system works by sending specialized cells after targets that the body has marked with “flags”...
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...
Steroid Tapering, Health Benefits, & Lupus
The best daily steroid dose for lupus can change. Strategic dosing is an important part of managing lupus. A new study shows that successful steroid tapering of prednisone has increased since 2000. During a lupus flare, you want to feel better. But, the strategies that work to get...