List of Treatments for Lupus

Acthar Gel (Repository corticotropin injection)

Overview
Acthar Gel is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat conditions including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Acthar Gel is also referred to… read more

Acupuncture

Overview
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. Some people with lupus have utilized acupuncture to relieve pain and… read more

Aralen (Chloroquine)

The Aralen brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview
Aralen is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1949 to treat malaria…

Arava (Leflunomide)

Overview
Arava is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Arava is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat lupus, especially in cases where… read more

Arixtra (Fondaparinux)

Overview
Arixtra is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in conjunction with Warfarin, and to prevent DVT during surgery. Arixtra may… read more

Aspirin

Overview
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication approved to treat lupus in 1948. Aspirin is often recommended for people with lupus who test positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Taken in low doses each day,… read more

Benlysta (Belimumab)

Overview
Benlysta is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people ages 5 and up with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or active lupus nephritis who are… read more

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Overview
Celebrex is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also known by its drug name, Celecoxib. Celebrex is used… read more

Celexa (Citalopram)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil)

Overview

CellCept is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the rejection of organs for people who have had kidney, heart, or liver transplants. CellCept is sometimes… read more

Coumadin (Warfarin)

Overview
Coumadin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1954 to reduce the risk for blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. Coumadin is also known by its drug name, Warfarin. In… read more

Cyclosporine

Overview
Cyclosporine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis and prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Cyclosporine is sometimes… read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide)

The Cytoxan brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview
Cytoxan, also known by its drug name, Cyclophosphamide, is a prescription medication originally approved by the Food…

Dialysis

Overview
Most people diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) eventually develop lupus nephritis. Even with careful treatment, five to 20 percent of those with lupus nephritis will develop end-stage renal… read more

Diet & nutrition

Overview

Like everyone else, people with lupus feel their best when they consistently eat a healthy, balanced diet. Most physicians who specialize in lupus recommend the same low-fat, low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet… read more

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Eliquis (Apixaban)

Overview
Eliquis is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to treat DVT and pulmonary embolism. Eliquis may also be referred to by its drug… read more

Exercise

Overview
Various types of physical activity not only promote general health in people with lupus, but can decrease fatigue and help manage a variety of other lupus symptoms. Aerobic exercise keeps your heart healthy and… read more

Fragmin (Dalteparin sodium)

Overview
Fragmin is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent deep vein thrombosis in people with a high risk for developing blood clots. Fragmin may also be referred… read more

Heparin

Overview
Heparin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent and treat thrombi and emboli (blood clots).

Heparain is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It is believed that… read more

Imuran (Azathioprine)

Overview
Imuran, also known by its drug name, Azathioprine, is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1968 to help prevent rejection in people who had kidney transplants. More… read more

Indocin (Indomethacin)

Overview
Indocin is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1965 to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also known by its drug name, Indomethacin. Indocin is used… read more

Innohep (Tinzaparin)

Overview
Innohep is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute deep vein thrombosis in conjunction with Warfarin. Innohep may also be referred to by its drug name,… read more

Kidney transplant

Overview
Most people diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) eventually develop lupus nephritis. Even with careful treatment, five to 20 percent of those with lupus nephritis will develop end-stage renal… read more

Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Liquaemin (Heparin)

Overview
Liquaemin is a prescription drug that was discovered in the early 1900s, before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was formed. It is also known by its drug name, Heparin, and the alternate brand name… read more

Lovenox (Enoxaparin)

Overview
Lovenox is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis. Lovenox may also be referred to by its drug name, Enoxaparin.

Lovenox is an… read more

Lupkynis (Voclosporin)

Overview
Lupkynis is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active lupus nephritis. It is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy… read more

Lyrica (Pregabalin)

Overview
Lyrica is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy… read more

Methotrexate

Overview
Methotrexate, sold under the brand name Rheumatrex, is a prescription medication originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fighting cancer. In people with mild cases of lupus,… read more

Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Motrin is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Stronger doses of Motrin are available by prescription. Motrin is used to treat pain, stiffness and discomfort caused by… read more

Myfortic (Mycophenolic acid)

Overview
Myfortic is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent organ rejection in people with kidney transplants in conjunction with Cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Myfortic is… read more

Naproxen

Overview
Naproxen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is sold under the brand names Aleve and Naprosyn. Stronger doses of Naproxen are available by prescription. Naproxen is… read more

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Overview
Neurontin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia and some types of seizures. Neurontin is sometimes prescribed to treat neuropathic pain and… read more

Norpramin (Desipramine)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Norpramin is a prescription medication approved by the Food and… read more

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Pamelor is a prescription medication approved by the Food and… read more

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)

Overview
Plaquenil is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation associated with lupus in people whose symptoms have not responded to drugs with lower risk for… read more

Prednisone

Overview
Prednisone is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1950s to treat inflammation associated with lupus. Prednisone may be prescribed at a low dose for maintenance,… read more

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Prozac is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Relafen (Nabumetone)

Overview
Relafen was a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The manufacturer discontinued Relafen when generic versions of… read more

Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Overview
Rheumatrex, also known by its drug name Methotrexate, is a prescription medication originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fighting cancer. Rheumatrex was approved in 1971 for… read more

Rituxan (Rituximab)

Overview
Rituxan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in conjunction with Methotrexate. Rituxan may be prescribed… read more

Saphnelo (Anifrolumab-fnia)

Overview
Saphnelo is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, who are receiving other lupus… read more

Supplements

Overview
Like everyone else, people with lupus feel their best when they receive nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in proper proportions. Due to disease activity and the side effects of medications, those with… read more

Topamax (Topiramate)

Overview
Topamax is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat epilepsy and prevent migraines. Topamax may be prescribed to control seizures associated with lupus. Topamax is also… read more

Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Tylenol, also known by its drug name, Acetaminophen, is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and fever.

Tylenol should be used with caution by people who have a history of liver problems or alcohol… read more

Ultram (Tramadol)

The Ultram brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview
Ultram is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage moderate to moderately…

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Wellbutrin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more

Zoloft (Sertraline)

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Zoloft is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug… read more