There is no permanent cure for systemic lupus. Many patients with mild symptoms may need no treatment or only intermittent courses of antiinflammatory medications. Patients with systemic lupus need more rest during periods of active disease. During these periods, carefully prescribed exercise is still important to maintain muscle tone and range of motion in the joints. The most common side effects are stomach upset, abdominal pain, ulcers, and even ulcer bleeding.
Corticosteroids are particularly helpful when internal organs are involved.
Corticosteroids can be given by mouth, injected directly into the joints and other tissues, or administered intravenously. Unfortunately, corticosteroids have serious side effects when given in high doses over prolonged periods. Side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and eye pigment changes. All immunosuppressive medications can seriously depress blood cell counts and increase risks of infection and bleeding. In systemic lupus patients with serious brain and kidney disease, plasmapheresis is sometimes used to remove antibodies and other immune substances from the blood to suppress immunity.