What Meds are used by people with Lupus?

The first medication that's typically used is called Plaquenil or Hydroxychloroquine. It's an anti-malarial drug that slows down the process of the disease. Often Methotrexate is used, it's an anti-cancer drug. Sometimes Imuran is used, it's an anti-organ rejection medication. These drugs are also used in other autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis. They're called DMARDs and often suppress the body's immune system

If people have a more advanced disease that affects the organs they may be placed on Benlysta or Cellcept. These are very expensive medications.

Most people with Lupus will have take steroids at some point in their disease. They have a whole list of side effects and are not recommended for long term use.

Anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Celebrex and Naproxen are often used.

Lupus is diagnosed based on blood tests, biopsies and symptoms. There are 11 criteria, of which you need four. The criteria was never intended to be used for diagnostic purposes, however many doctors do. It's often not clear cut and there is not one blood test that will say that you've got it. The blood tests can also wax and wane over time.

As for me, I'm on Plaquenil and Naproxen and steroids when needed. My doctor hasn't felt there's enough evidence to make a diagnosis yet, but I'm presenting with enough evidence of something autoimmune/connective tissue disease and they're treating me based on that.

I hope that's helpful.

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Plaquenil also called hydroxychloroquine sulfate is used. I don't have lupus. I believe it is diagnosed with a blood test

I take best Plaquenil, however my SLE is moderate. Talk in your healthcare professional and notice if there may be whatever you'll be able to do to check out to do away with a couple of drugs. Don't quit bloodless turkey with out discussing along with your Dr first!