Steroid Treatment For Lupus Side Effects

Regular eye exams are recommended when taking these medications.

Steroid treatment for lupus side effects. Once lupus symptoms respond to treatment the dose is gradually reduced tapered. Story at a glance. Medications commonly used to treat malaria such as hydroxychloroquine plaquenil affect the immune system and can help decrease the risk of lupus flares. Topical corticosteroids can lead to thin skin red skin lesions and acne.

Steroid injections can be a key part of a treatment plan for many autoimmune and joint conditions. Imuran is steroid sparing which means that it may allow for a reduction of the amount of steroid being taken. The side effects can last for weeks so pulse steroids are sometimes prescribed to control a lupus flare or for people who cannot take steroids in pill form. Withdrawal from prednisone and other corticosteroids can be severe and it usually takes time to reduce the dose.

People with lupus have overactive immune systems. People taking steroids may have side effects that include weight gain especially in the cheeks and over the back of the neck acne hair thinning on the scalp new facial hair on. It is a very effective anti inflammatory agent in lupus and it works fast. Researchers have investigated whether a lower dose of prednisone would treat lupus effectively while minimizing side effects.

Steroid medications can have serious long term side effects and the risk of these side effects increases with higher doses and longer term therapy. Steroids can be injected into joints muscles tendons the spine or bursae. This article will help you understand lupus treatments lupus medications and side effects and important lifestyle. Side effects of topical corticosteroids.

Side effects of injected corticosteroids. Your doctor will try to keep your steroid dosage at the lowest level possible. Medical treatment for lupus has made great strides within the last 50 years. Since the side effects of steroids generally increase with the dosage this medication generally promotes a reduction in steroid side effects as well.

Side effects can include stomach upset and very rarely damage to the retina of the eye. Injected corticosteroids can cause temporary side effects near the site of the injection including skin thinning loss of color in the skin and intense pain also known as post. But over time the side effects of higher doses of the medication can be significant. However patients tapered down to 2 5 3 mg.