published by nonprofit Johns Hopkins Press
Chapter 33 of The Lupus Encyclopedia explains how living cells build these medicines and how we use them in systemic lupus (SLE). Rituximab (Rituxan) and the TNF inhibitors take up most of the chapter. The book calls Benlysta …
Lupus and steroids often meet during a flare, when inflammation needs fast control. We use corticosteroids such as prednisone because they act quickly. Our doctors may add them while slower drugs begin to work. Understanding lupus and steroids helps us …
Patients frequently ask why medications originally designed to treat malaria are effective for autoimmune diseases. We find the answer by examining how the immune system functions. A central activity of the immune system is antigen presentation – substances that cause …
Medications and lupus can be complicated, especially when a number of drugs form part of a treatment plan. We may use one medicine to calm lupus, another to control symptoms, and yet another to help prevent side effects.
The right …
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into remission or low-disease activity with proper treatment. Advancements that have made a big difference include new FDA-approved drugs (Saphnelo, Benlysta, …
The field of CAR-T therapies in treating autoimmune diseases like lupus is rapidly expanding. As of April 2024, at least 43 patients with severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had been treated with CAR-T cell therapy. Most went into drug-free remission, …
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. This article will explore lupus stomach medications and strategies for managing GI symptoms effectively.
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…NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing bone strength with bisphosphonate drugs is important. This article discusses bisphosphonate drugs used in lupus patients.
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…NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press,
Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been used to treat rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus. Because of its proven safety and effectiveness, most, if not …
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
