Pharmacological Treatment Pharmacological Treatment

1. Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation and help with problems of joint pain and swelling, especially in the fingers, wrists, or knees.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs that are often used include

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

Indomethacin

Celecoxib

Aspirin can also be used and it can help prevent blood clots. Many patients with Lupus take a daily low-dose aspirin, also called baby aspirin, 75 to 100 mg, to lower their risk of blood clots.

Side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs:

Anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the stomach, so some patients are advised to take them with food or milk.

At higher doses, NSAIDs can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

2. Antimalarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medications help control Lupus in several ways. They Modulate the immune system without predisposing the patient to infections, Protect against UV light and treat skin lesions that do not respond to treatment with topical therapy, and Prevent the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, a component of the immune system that is responsible for making interferon.

Side effects of antimalarial drugs:

Most people do not notice any side effects, but antimalarial drugs may cause stomach pain and digestive tract problems such as nausea or diarrhea, which are self-limiting.

In rare cases, prolonged use of antimalarial drugs at high doses may damage the eyes.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Hydroxychloroquine is the most commonly used antimalarial drug for Lupus.

Dosage: 200-400mg/day orally as a single dose or in two divided doses. If the patient cannot take hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine may be recommended instead. It usually takes 1 to 3 months for the drug to start working.