Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. The doctor and patient should reevaluate the plan regularly to ensure that it is as effective as possible. Several types of drugs are used to treat lupus. The treatment the doctor chooses is based on the patient's individual symptoms and needs. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.
Antimalarials are another type of drug commonly used to treat lupus.
These drugs were originally used to treat the symptoms of malaria, but doctors have found that they also are useful treatments for lupus. Exactly how antimalarials work in lupus is unclear, but scientists think that they may work by suppressing parts of the immune response. They may be used alone or in combination with other drugs and generally are used to treat fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. Research doctors have found that continuous treatment with antimalarials may prevent flares from recurring. Side effects of antimalarials can include stomach upset and, extremely rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.