Lupus Treatments?

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Learn The Truth About Lupus Treatments

I believe that whatever we are challenged by in our lives, God gave us the mechanism within us to heal it.

Lupus and Treatment?

Traditional Lupus Treatments & Therapy

Diagnosing and treating lupus are often a team effort between the patient and several types of health care professionals. A person with lupus can go to his or her family doctor or internist, or can visit a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatic diseases (arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, often involving the immune system).

Clinical immunologists (doctors specializing in immune system disorders) may also treat people with lupus. As treatment progresses, other professionals often help. These may include nurses, psychologists, social workers, nephrologists (doctors who treat kidney disease), hematologists (doctors specializing in blood disorders), dermatologists (doctors who treat skin disease), and neurologists (doctors specializing in disorders of the nervous system).

The range and effectiveness of treatments for lupus have increased dramatically, giving doctors more choices in how to manage the disease. It is important for the patient to work closely with the doctor and take an active role in managing the disease. Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms, and lifestyle.

Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor has several goals: to prevent flares, to treat them when they do occur, and to minimize organ damage and complications. The doctor and patient should reevaluate the plan regularly to ensure it is as effective as possible.

NSAIDs: For people with joint or chest pain or fever, drugs that decrease inflammation, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are often used. While some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available over the counter, a doctor's prescription is necessary for others. NSAIDs may be used alone or in combination with other types of drugs to control pain, swelling, and fever.

Even though some NSAIDs may be purchased without a prescription, it is important that they be taken under a doctor's direction. Common side effects of NSAIDs can include stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, and fluid retention. Some people with lupus also develop liver, kidney, or even neurological complications, making it especially important to stay in close contact with the doctor while taking these medications.

Antimalarials: Antimalarials are another type of drug commonly used to treat lupus. These drugs were originally used to treat malaria, but doctors have found that they also are useful for lupus. A common antimalarial used to treat lupus is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)*. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs and generally is used to treat fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. Clinical studies have found that continuous treatment with antimalarials may prevent flares from recurring. Side effects of anti-malarials can include stomach upset and, extremely rarely, damage to the retina of the eye.

* Brand names included in this publication are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

Corticosteroids: The mainstay of lupus treatment involves the use of corticosteroid hormones, such as prednisone (Deltasone), hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol). Corticosteroids are related to cortisol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. They work by rapidly suppressing inflammation. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth, in creams applied to the skin, or by injection. Because they are potent drugs, the doctor will seek the lowest dose with the greatest benefit. Short-term side effects of corticosteroids include swelling, increased appetite, and weight gain. These side effects generally stop when the drug is stopped. It is dangerous to stop taking corticosteroids suddenly, so it is very important that the doctor and patient work together in changing the corticosteroid dose. Sometimes doctors give very large amounts of corticosteroid by vein over a brief period of time (days) ("bolus" or "pulse" therapy). With this treatment, the typical side effects are less likely and slow withdrawal is unnecessary.

Long-term side effects of corticosteroids can include stretch marks on the skin, weakened or damaged bones (osteoporosis and osteonecrosis), high blood pressure, damage to the arteries, high blood sugar (diabetes), infections, and cataracts. Typically, the higher the dose and the longer they are taken, the greater the risk and severity of side effects. Researchers are working to develop ways to limit or offset the use of corticosteroids. For example, corticosteroids may be used in combination with other, less potent drugs, or the doctor may try to slowly decrease the dose once the disease is under control. People with lupus who are using corticosteroids should talk to their doctors about taking supplemental calcium and vitamin D or other drugs to reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakened, fragile bones).

Immunosuppressives: For some patients whose kidneys or central nervous systems are affected by lupus, a type of drug called an immunosuppressive may be used. Immunosuppressives, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), restrain the overactive immune system by blocking the production of immune cells. These drugs may be given by mouth or by infusion (dripping the drug into the vein through a small tube). Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bladder problems, decreased fertility, and increased risk of cancer and infection. The risk for side effects increases with the length of treatment. As with other treatments for lupus, there is a risk of relapse after the immunosuppressives have been stopped.

Other Therapies: In some patients, methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Rheumatrex), a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, may be used to help control the disease. Working closely with the doctor helps ensure that treatments for lupus are as successful as possible. Because some treatments may cause harmful side effects, it is important to report any new symptoms to the doctor promptly. It is also important not to stop or change treatments without talking to the doctor first.

I am a firm believer in Omega 3 Fish oils for minimizing my Lupus symptoms, and, although I do take fish oil supplements daily, I also switched to a diet of mostly fish only about three years ago.

The results are fascinating -- and I saw (and am still seeing!) improvements in my quality of life, much less pain, inflammation and fatigue, which I find, are some of the most debilitating symptoms of lupus.

I went from being severely affected by Lupus in my daily life to actually joining the gym and noticing a huge difference in what I could do, simply by increasing my intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines. ect. Learn more ...

Since I don't get outside much ( especially not in the summer sun) I was fortunate enough to find an online store where I order all of my fresh fish requirements, monthly. Whispy.com has now partnered with Mike Mondello's SeaBear Smokehouse in order to educate our Internet audience about Omega 3 fish oils and the great benefits and to provide the best fresh seafood in the US at special discount prices.

 I've also posted several of my favorite seafood recipes in our Community Recipe Collections.

There you will find free recipes such as Seared Ahi Tuna, Broiled Salmon Steaks With Mustard Sauce and Basil Pesto Baked Halibut, just to name a few!

If you are not able to get enough Omega 3 in your diet through fish alone, you may want to discuss the possibility of supplementing your diet with a quality Omega 3 soft gel with your local health care professional.

Over the past 40 years, an increasing number of physiological functions have been attributed to omega-3 fatty acids, including movement of calcium and other substances into and out of cells, relaxation and contraction of muscles, inhibition and promotion of clotting, regulation of secretion of substances that include digestive enzymes and hormones, control of fertility, cell division, and growth. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in brain development and function. Some evidence has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids in the diet may protect against heart attack and stroke, as well as certain inflammatory diseases like arthritis, lupus, and asthma. The major dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids in the U.S. population are fish, fish oil, vegetable oils (principally canola and soybean), walnuts, wheat germ, and some dietary supplements.

Natural Supplements I personally use for Treating my Lupus Symptoms

Immune System Booster

Immune System Enhancer - Proven Natural Herbal Alternative, No Antibiotic Resistance or Side Effects. ImmunityPlus is a blend of African, Asian and other herbs specifically formulated to optimize immune functioning. ImmunityPlus is a potent, complex remedy that contains ingredients to provide a wide range of benefits to those suffering from depressed immune systems or wish to boost their optimal functioning. This includes a liver tonic; immune system strengthening; improved body functioning; detoxification; and enhanced convalescence.

Immutol is the most proven, most effective natural immunity enhancer available anywhere.
Immutol activates specific immune cells called macrophages that are the front line of defense against invading microbes, thereby enhancing your immune system's natural ability to defend against pathogens. Immutol is not a drug, vitamin, herb, or mineral, yet it can activate your entire immune system more fully and safely than any known substance. The only ingredient contained in IMMUTOL® is highly purified Norwegian Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucan (NBG). For more information regarding product history and research, please visit www.immunocorp.com.

Modified Citrus Pectin Powder - Citrus pectin is a plant fiber found in the white part of the rind of citrus fruits. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) has been shown to inhibit cancer cell metastasis, lower cholesterol, and remove toxic metals from the body.

Olive Leaf Extract - The extract of the leaf of the olive tree. Supports your body against cellular toxins and bacteria. Its natural protective power cleanses your body of dangerous bacteria while detoxifying cellular toxins. Olive Leaf Extract also contains important anti-oxidants and the same blood pressure-lowering ingredients found in olive oil.

Ease Joint Pain -  Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced from the shells of chitin (shellfish) and is a key component of cartilage. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. Rebuilds strong, healthy joint cartilage .Improve joint flexibility. Chondrocytes to clean away old proteoglycans and collagen plus produce new ones. When any one of these elements is missing, cartilage can deteriorate.

Immunoguard + Zinc Lozenges - Guard against disease-including colds and flu-by attacking invading pathogens. Regulates the amount of iron in your bloodstream-and helps starve harmful viruses. This one-of-a-kind formula - extracted from the highest quality sources - contains lactoferrin and colostrum, the natural immune-boosting nutrients found in mother's milk.

I will list more soon!

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