Lupus is a chronic disease of the immune system. The immune system in people with lupus cannot distinguish the body’s own cells from certain foreign substances. Acting to “protect” the body, the immune system then makes antibodies that target the patient’s own cells causing inflammation and pain.
We are glad to hear that your SLE (lupus) is not extremely bad at this time. The goal of therapy is to minimize flare-ups of the disease, to prevent it from getting worse. The majority of the symptoms of lupus are due to inflammation, and the medications are chosen to reduce this inflammation. One of the more commonly prescribed medications to control lupus is prednisone. This is a steroid, but not the same type as athletes sometimes take to improve their performance. Yes, steroids may have side effects like weight gain, acne, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cataracts and mood swings. Therefore doctors monitor the dosage and side effects closely. Other types of drugs commonly used to treat lupus include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants (this last group is generally reserved for the more severe patients).
Your family needs to sit down with your physician and discuss SLE and the treatment options. Explain to your doctor your mother’s fear of steroids and reach an understanding. If you get depressed you need to first talk to your physician. Your doctor may be very comfortable treating the depression that often accompanies a chronic disease or may refer you to a psychiatrist. We would also like to refer you to an excellent web site, www.lupus.org. This site answers most of the commonly asked questions about lupus. Good Luck.
For more information, check this out:
I have lupus and am taking Cytoxan®. What is this medicine?
Posted 10-8-04
