Learn about the various types and names of medications used in treating lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that runs in families and is believed to develop in response to certain environmental triggers and hormones. It tends to affect various parts of the body, causing inflammation. Because of this, there are many types of medicines used to treat it.
Not all medications are used in everyone with lupus. The treatment plan varies by individual and depends on age, lifestyle and other health conditions.
Lupus Medications that are used are:
| Antimalarials | |
|---|---|
| Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) | Antimalarials protect the skin from rashes and UV light |
| Chloroquine (Aralen) | |
| Steroids | |
| Prednisone (Deltason, Prednicot, Prednisone Intensol, Rayos, Sterapred, Sterapred DS) | Steroids help with inflammation, due to their anti-inflammatory effects |
| Prednisolone (Bubbli-Pred, Cotolone, Flo Pred, Millipred DP, Orapred, Orapred ODT, Pediapred, Prelone, Veripred 20) | |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | |
| Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox DS, Mediproxen) | |
| Aspirin (Ascriptin, Aspergum, Aspirtab, Bayer, Easprin, Ecotrin, Ecpirin, Entercote, Genacote, Halfprin, Ninoprin, Norwich Aspirin) | NSAIDs help with inflammation due to their anti-inflammatory property |
| Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex) | |
| Nabumetone (Relafen) | |
| Celecoxib (Celebrex) | |
| Immunosuppressives | |
| Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept) | |
| Methotrexate (Rheumatrex Dose Pack, Trexall) | Immunosuppressives help keep the immune system from attacking the body |
| Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) | |
| Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) | |
| Voclosporin | |
| Biologics | |
| Belimumab (Benlysta) | |
| Rituximab (Rituxan, Mab Thera) | Biologics help the immune system work properly |
| Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) | |
| Blood thinners (Anticoagulants) | |
| Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) | Anticoagulants help prevent blood clots |
| Heparin (Lovenox, Fragmin, Arixtra) | |
Work with your doctors to identify the right treatment plan for you. The right treatment plan should include medications to control your symptoms, prevent damage to your organs, and prevent your immune system from attacking your body.
