Lupus: Finding the Best Treatment Option for You

Symptoms of lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your body’s immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues. That means the disease can affect different parts of the body and show up in different ways.

Symptoms of lupus can include:

• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face

• Dry eyes or mouth

• Skin lesions

• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling

• Chest pain

• Swelling around the eyes

• Swelling in legs

• White or blue-colored fingers and toes from cold temperatures or stressful situations

It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and their severity so you and your HCP can keep them in mind when forming a treatment plan.

Types of healthcare providers for lupus care

The first step in treating lupus is finding an HCP you trust.

For many people, that person is a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist specializes in treating conditions that affect the muscles and joints. But many HCPs treat lupus, so primary care physicians can also help you with treatment options and overall management.

Depending on your symptoms and type of lupus, other HCPs for lupus-associated conditions may include:

• A nephrologist for kidney problems, such as lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is a serious complication of SLE that happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys and can cause inflammation and organ damage.

• A gastroenterologist for issues in the digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder

• A dermatologist to treat sores, rashes and/or scaly skin associated with a type of lupus called cutaneous lupus

• A cardiologist for heart issues

• A neurologist for brain and nervous system disorders

• A pulmonologist for lung conditions

• A perinatologist for high-risk pregnancies and gynecologic care

Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing lupus

The next step in finding the right treatment plan is talking to your HCP about your symptoms and your goals for treatment as part of a shared decision-making process.

Since no two cases of lupus are alike, it’s important to let your HCP know what symptoms you’re experiencing, the symptoms that bother you the most and the different ways lupus is affecting your life.

It’s a good idea to write this information down before your HCP visit and also define what you hope to achieve with treatment. A good place to start in defining your personal goals is to think about the activities you love to do and how you can find a treatment that allows you to do what you love.

For example, if you’re experiencing joint pain every day, your personal goal may be pain management.

Treatment options for lupus

There is no cure for lupus yet, but medications can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and flares, and reduce the risk of organ damage.

• Hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial) reduces pain and flares and lower the amount of other lupus medications needed to treat the disease

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help manage pain and inflammation

• Steroids reduce pain, swelling and inflammation quickly

• Immunosuppressants reduce damage to organs

• Monoclonal antibodies target immune cells and helps control disease activity

• Biologics reduce disease activity, prevent flares and lower the amount of other medications needed to treat lupus

• ACTH gels reduce inflammation and are used when steroids or other medications are not working

When discussing treatment options with your HCP, it’s also important to go over the side effects of medications and any long-term effects you may want to consider.

In addition to medications, alternative therapies (physical therapy or chiropractic) and lifestyle changes like lowering stress and getting enough sleep are options you may want to incorporate into your plan.