Prevention of Lupus

Medical news about treatments for Lupus

These medical news articles may be relevant to Lupus treatment:

• Arthritis Foundation reports on top 10 arthritis developments in 2004
• Compound related to anti-anxiety drugs may provide an effective treatment for psoriasis
• Lupus treatment has improved over the years
• Lupus treatment shows promising results
• Lupus treatment shows promising results for SLE sufferers
• More treatment news »

Research Medications for Treating Lupus

Some medications in the research for treatment of Lupus include:

• Cyclosporine
• Neoral
• Sandimmune
• SangCya
• More research drugs »

Clinical Trials for Lupus

Some of the clinical trials for Lupus include:

• Safety and Efficacy Study of LJP 394 (Abetimus Sodium) to Treat Lupus Kidney Disease - This study has been completed (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - Abetimus sodium (LJP 394)
• Study of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - This study is currently recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006)
• Study of LJP 394 in Lupus Patients With History of Renal Disease - This study is currently recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - abetimus sodium (LJP 394)
• Treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients With CTLA4-IgG4m (RG2077) - This study is no longer recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - CTLA4-IgG4m (RG2077)
• TNF Blockade With Remicade in Active Lupus Nephritis WHO Class V (TRIAL ) - This study is currently recruiting patients (Current: 23 Nov 2006) - infliximab,azathioprine
• more clinical trials...»

Curable Types of Lupus

Possibly curable or rare types of Lupus include:

• SLE of the joints
• Retinal vasculitis related to SLE
• Psychosis related to SLE
• more curable types...»

Rare Types of Lupus:

Some rare types of Lupus include:

• Retinal vasculitis related to SLE
• Psychosis related to SLE
• Deep vein thrombosis related to SLE
• Acute ischemia related to SLE
• more rare types...»

Latest Treatments for Lupus

Some of the more recent treatments for Lupus include:

• Avoid sun exposure
• Avoid trauma
• Topical corticosteroids
• Betamethasone
• Intralesional corticosteroid
• more treatments...»

Treatments for Lupus

Treatments to consider for Lupus may include:

• Corticosteroids
  • Corticosteroid creams
  • Prednisone (Deltasone)
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
  • Dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)
• more treatments...»

Prevention of Lupus:

The Many Shades of Lupus: NIAMS (Excerpt)

Steps to prevent flares, such as limiting the time you spend in the sun and getting enough rest and quiet, can also be helpful.

Handout on Health Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: NIAMS (Excerpt)

Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Many people with lupus experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful, such as learning to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor.

It is also important for people with lupus to receive regular health care, instead of seeking help only when symptoms worsen. Having a medical exam and laboratory work on a regular basis allows the doctor to note any changes and may help predict flares. The treatment plan, which is tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances, can be adjusted accordingly. If new symptoms are identified early, treatments may be more effective. Other concerns also can be addressed at regular checkups. The doctor can provide guidance about such issues as the use of sunscreens, stress reduction, and the importance of structured exercise and rest, as well as birth control and family planning. Because people with lupus can be more susceptible to infections, the doctor may recommend yearly influenza vaccinations or pneumococcal vaccination for some patients.

People with lupus should receive regular preventive health care, such as gynecological and breast examinations. Regular dental care will help avoid potentially dangerous infections. If a person is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, a yearly eye exam should be done to screen for and treat eye problems.

Staying healthy requires extra effort and care for people with lupus, so it becomes especially important to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Wellness involves close attention to the body, mind, and spirit. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation, and setting priorities for spending time and energy.

Developing and maintaining a good support system is also important. A support system may include family, friends, medical professionals, community organizations, and organized support groups. Participating in a support group can provide emotional help, boost self-esteem and morale, and help develop or improve coping skills. (For more information on support groups, see the Additional Resources section).

Learning more about lupus may also help. Studies have shown that patients who are well informed and participate actively in their own care experience less pain, make fewer visits to the doctor, build self-confidence, and remain more active.

Prevention Claims: Lupus

Information on prevention of Lupus comes from many sources. There are some sources that claim preventive benefits for many different diseases for various products. We may present such information in the hope that it may be useful, however, in some cases claims of Lupus prevention may be dubious, invalid, or not recognized in mainstream medicine. Please discuss any treatment, discontinuation of treatment, or change of treatment plans with your doctor or professional medical specialist.