Immunosuppressives
Immunosuppressive agents are generally used to reduce rejection of transplanted organs. They are also used in serious, systemic cases of lupus in which major organs such as the kidneys are affected or in which there is severe muscle inflammation or intractable arthritis. Because of their steroid-sparing effect, immunosuppressives may also be used to reduce or sometimes eliminate the need for corticosteroids, thereby sparing the patient from undesirable side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Immunosuppressives can have serious side effects. Patients need to understand, however, that side effects are dose-dependent and are generally reversible by reducing the dose or stopping the medication. Types of Immunosuppressives A variety of immunosuppressive drugs is available to treat lupus. Although they have different mechanisms of action, each type functions to decrease or prevent an immune response. The immunosuppressives most frequently used with SLE patients are: