Some patients never require medications, and others take them only as needed or for short intervals, but many require constant therapy with variable doses.

Despite their usefulness, no drugs are without risks. Medications frequently used to control the symptoms are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials, corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, and intravenous immunoglobulins.

Other medications may be necessary to control specific manifestations. Before prescribing a medication, it is helpful to scrutinize a patient's past response to treatments.

A careful drug history should be taken; in particular, hypersensitivities or allergies to certain drugs should be noted.

Patient and family education about medications and their side effects is essential.

Chapter 5, Medications Used to Treat Lupus, presents more detailed information on this issue, and Chapter 7, Patient Information, includes relevant information for patients.





















































Source: National Institutes of Health, U.S.Dept of Health and Human Services