See your doctor if you develop any unexplained
rashes, have ongoing fevers, persistent aching or
fatigue. Although it usually takes 7 to 8 years to
diagnose, as with all other medical conditions the
sooner you get diagnosed the greater your
chances of leading a full life.
Conversely, the longer you wait for a diagnosis
and treatment especially if you have SLE lupus,
the more damage will be done to your body which
in the case of lupus cannot be reversed or
repaired.
With SLE, lack of diagnosis can lead to
potentially life-threatening complications like
kidney failure, heart and cardiovascular disease,
lung damage or stroke.
Undiagnosed SLE can also raise the risk of pre-
eclampsia (a pregnancy complication
characterized by high blood pressure and signs
of damage to other organs system, often the
kidneys), miscarriage, stillbirth and premature
birth.
Drugs used to treat
lupus include:
There is no cure for Lupus yet, but it can be
treated. Imuran (azathioprine) – commonly used to treat
the more serious features of lupus.
A Lupus diagnosis can feel very daunting,
uncertain and scary. But with medicines like
steroids, immunosuppressants and lifestyle
changes the disease can be controlled. While
some people with mild features of the disease do
not require treatment, others with serious
involvement (such as kidney complications) may
require powerful medications. Rheumatrex (methotrexate) – another
chemotherapy drug used to suppress the
immune system. Popularly used for skin disease,
arthritis, and other non-life-threatening forms
of disease.
Steroids – used when internal organs are
threatened. The cream is also used for rashes. Benlysta (belimumab) – when given in addition
to standard drug therapy, people with active,
autoantibody-positive lupus may benefit from
Benlysta.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) – commonly
used to help keep mild lupus-related problems,
such as skin and joint disease under control and
flares at bay.
Cytoxan(cyclophosphamide) – a chemotherapy
drug effective in reducing the activity of the
immune system. It is usedto treat severe forms of
lupus, such as those affecting the kidneys or
brain.
It is also a substitute for medications such as
hydroxychloroquine or low doses of prednisone.
CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) – a drug that
suppresses the immune system. It is also used to
prevent rejection of transplanted organs.
Rituxan (rituximab) – used to treat lymphoma
and rheumatoid arthritis. It is used to treat the
most serious features of lupus when other
therapies are not effective.
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