Lupus Erythematosus
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. This means that your immune system starts to attack your body instead of harmful germs. It is also called systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is a lifelong disease that affects all parts of your body. Lupus has active and quiet periods. The active periods, also called flares, are when you have symptoms. The quiet periods, or remission, are when you have few or no symptoms. A remission period may last months or years, or you may not have remission periods at all.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
Tests:
- Blood or urine tests may be used to monitor your condition. Your urine may be collected for 24 hours. Then it is measured and sent to a lab for tests.
- An EEG may be used to check how well your brain is working. Small pads or metal discs are put on your head. Each has a wire that is hooked to a machine. This machine prints a paper tracing of brain wave activity from different parts of your brain. Healthcare providers look at the tracing to see how your brain is working.
- An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart. It is used to check for abnormal heart rhythms.
- MRI pictures may show damage to your brain. You may be given contrast liquid to help any damage show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- Ultrasound pictures may show problems with your blood flow. An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that may be used to check for fluid around your heart.
Medicines:
- Antimalarial medicine is used to relieve your joint and skin symptoms of lupus, such as rash and joint pain.
- Steroids decrease inflammation. Steroids may be given as a pill, IV, or ointment.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for more medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling for help when you want to get out of bed.
- Immunosuppressive medicine is used to slow your immune system. This will help your immune system not attack your body.
- Cytotoxic medicine is used to decrease inflammation in muscles or joints, and to slow your immune system.
RISKS:
- You may be so tired that you cannot work at times. Your risk for a serious infection is increased. You may develop vision loss. You may become depressed or anxious. Your fingers may turn pale or blue when they are cold. This is called Raynaud syndrome. You may become forgetful or have trouble concentrating. You may develop headaches, vision problems, or have a seizure.
- You may develop kidney disease or kidney failure. You may have high blood pressure or narrowing of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease or heart failure. You may have bleeding problems, such as anemia. You may get a blood clot in your leg. The clot may travel to your heart or brain and cause life-threatening problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Lupus Erythematosus
Treatment options
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
