Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus

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Treatment

Usually, symptoms resolve within several days to weeks after stopping the medication that caused the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat arthritis and pleurisy.

Corticosteroid creams are used to treat skin rashes. Antimalarial drugs (hydroxychloroquine) are sometimes used for skin and arthritis symptoms. Sensitivity to light is treated by protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Routine eye examinations are recommended to detect eye complications early.

Occasionally, the steroid prednisone is used to treat more severe cases, especially if the heart is involved. Very rarely, severe drug-induced lupus with severe cardiac involvement or significant kidney or neurologic disease requires high doses of steroids and strong medications that suppress the immune system, such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide.