Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: medications, biological therapy

Treatment of SLE is complex, however, it improves prognosis and overall survival, also to reduce the risk of possible complications. Improves quality of life.

However, nowadays, there is no known treatment and no medication that will cure the disease completely.

The aim of the available treatments is therefore to reduce the severity of the disease and its manifestations. The goal is also to prevent complications and risk factors, organ damage that can grow up to an irreversible form.

At the time of decline, it is possible that no or limited treatment will be required.

On the other hand, there are also cases where treatment is completely helpless and ineffective.

The treatment includes different types of drugs from different drug groups, such as:

• corticosteroids - to reduce inflammation
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs, also to reduce inflammation
• antimalarials - effective for skin problems and prevention of complications across the body, of course, don't look for a link to malaria, it's about the mechanism of action of the drug
• non-biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs - DMARDs - suppress inflammation
• biological therapy - biological DMARDs - blocking the formation of antibodies plus the effect of specific molecules

Prognosis also depends on early treatment, and strict adherence to therapy and regimen.

It also depends on the extent of organ damage.

Treatment and new habits are important, too.

The treatment itself needs to be supplemented, especially with regard to creating new habits. 

If you have SLE, the following should help: 

• accept the disease
• positive approach to life
• nutritional supplements
  • selenium
  • vitamins A, B, D, C, E
  • omega 3 essential fatty acids
  • beware of substances that stimulate immunity - these can be harmful
  • better to consult an expert
• healthy lifestyle and rational nutrition
• do not smoke, do not drink alcohol
• sufficient exercise and appropriate physical activity
  • especially in rest
  • walking, cycling, swimming
  • walking, going outdoors
    • sun protection, clothes, creams
  • do not exercise to exhaustion
• sun protection in general
• avoidance of stress, psychological burden
• limitation of heavy physical exertion
• enough sleep, rest, proper sleep hygiene
• avoiding cold and protecting the body from cold
• protection against infection
• beware of unplanned pregnancy
  • pregnancy in SLE needs to be planned together with a doctor
  • watch out for the active phase of the disease

Physical activity or school attendance is not appropriate for children at the time of a flare-up.

In times of dormancy, remission is not fundamentally limited.

However, it is necessary to consider the presence of organ involvement.