Prednisone is a steroid used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis(AS), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), acute gouty arthritis, lupus, and polymyalgia rheumatica. It is a potent and fast-acting anti-inflammatory agent, but can cause stomach upset and long-term use can cause diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and mood changes.
Type of Arthritis: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
HCQ is a DMARD used as first-line treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and second-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It dampens an overactive immune system by stopping you from making antibodies against your own cells. HCQ is very well tolerated but you will need to get vision and heart rhythm check-ups while on this medication.
Belimumab
Belimumab is a biologic medication used to treat adults with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, also called SLE) and lupus nephritis. SLE is caused by your body making antibodies that attack your own cells. Belimumab treats SLE by blocking the cells that make these antibodies, known as B-cells. Belimumab can help suppress an overactive immune system. . .
Azathioprine
Azathioprine may be used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions such as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA; formerly known as Wegener’s granulomatosis) and lupus. Azathioprine can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is no longer commonly used for this condition. Azathioprine works by reducing the ability of immune cells to replicate, suppressing an overactive immune system.. . .
Anifrolumab
Anifrolumab is used in addition to standard therapy (oral corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants and/or antimalarials) for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It works by blocking the action of a group of proteins called Type I Interferons (IFN) by binding to a portion of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1) thereby. . .
