Finding the Right Lupus Treatment Plan for You

Lupus treatment is different for different people. That’s because no two cases of lupus are the same — each person experiences lupus differently. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your lupus doctor to come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you. 

Your  lupus clinician, a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating and managing lupus and related autoimmune conditions, can recommend treatments to help with your specific symptoms and concerns and they can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different treatments.

Keep in mind that while working with your doctor is important, you make the final decision about which treatments you want. And you can change your treatment plan over time if something’s not working well.

Types of treatment for lupus

There are different types of treatment for lupus. For example, people may take medicines, or use other treatments and therapies, like chiropractic care or meditation. The right treatment plan for you might include a combination of things. 

Treatments for lupus generally focus on:

• Managing your symptoms, like joint pain or fatigue
• Reducing inflammation in the body
• Keeping your immune system from attacking healthy cells (called immunosuppression)
• Preventing or treating lupus flares
• Limiting damage to your organs
• Increase your life span
• Taking care of your mental health and well-being  

Much like lupus is a whole body disease, treatment for lupus should also include keeping your whole body in good health with a healthy diet, exercise regimen, healthy weight, and taking care of your mental health and well-being.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Medicines. There are several different medicines people with lupus may take. They can help reduce lupus activity and symptoms - pain and inflammation, prevent lupus flares (periods when lupus symptoms get worse), help with side effects from other medicines, prevent organ damage, and help you live longer. Read more about medicines for treating lupus.
• Complementary and alternative medicine. This includes healing practices that are different from the conventional medical treatments and medicines you can get from a doctor. Examples include yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, or biofeedback. Complementary and alternative medicine can have risks and benefits, just like conventional medical treatments. That’s why it’s important to talk to your lupus doctor before trying any new therapies or treatments. They can help you decide if those therapies are safe. Read more about complementary and alternative medicine. 
• Lifestyle changes. Most people with lupus can help manage their condition through lifestyle changes (also called self-management). Lifestyle changes may include things like learning to avoid your lupus triggers , getting enough sleep,  staying active , and eating healthy foods. Talk with your lupus doctor to find out what lifestyle changes might help you.
• Mental health support. Lupus affects more than just your physical health — it can impact your mental health, too. Keep in mind that you’re not alone when it comes to dealing with lupus. Your lupus doctor, loved ones, support groups, and mental health professionals can all offer you support and help you find ways to take care of your mental wellness. Learn more about how to manage your mental health with lupus. 

Unfortunately, all treatments have risks and benefits. Your lupus doctor can help you understand how different treatments might help you. They can also talk to you about any possible side effects or downsides of trying a treatment.

Deciding which treatments are right for you 

Figuring out which treatments you want to try is a personal decision — and choosing can be overwhelming! But there are steps you can take to help you find a treatment plan that feels right for you.

Start by thinking about your personal goals

Before you decide which treatments to try, it’s helpful to think about your personal goals, values, and preferences for managing lupus. For example, you might ask yourself :

• What do I enjoy most in life, and what treatments can help me keep doing those things?  
• What lupus symptoms have the biggest impact on my day-to-day life, and what treatments can help to relieve those symptoms? 
• If a medicine has side effects, are they side effects I can manage? Are there any side effects I’m not willing to deal with? 
• Are there treatments or therapies besides medicines that I want to try?
• How will my choices about treatment affect my loved ones?

Find a doctor you can trust

A good doctor will make you feel heard and respected. They’ll listen to your concerns and opinions about lupus or lupus treatments and answer all your questions. 

Your doctor should help you understand the risks and benefits of different treatment options — but they shouldn’t make you feel pressured into trying a treatment you’re not comfortable with.

Talk with your doctor about your options

You and your lupus doctor will work as a team to come up with a treatment plan. Consider asking them questions to get the conversation started, like:

• What treatments are available to me?
• Why do you recommend this treatment?
• How will this treatment help me? What are the risks if I don’t do it?
• How much will this treatment cost? Is there a similar option that costs less?
• Will I have side effects? What kinds?
• What other steps can I take to help manage my lupus? 

Try these tips to make the most of your doctor’s appointments: 

• Write down your questions before your appointment. That way, you can be sure you won’t forget something.
• Take notes. Write down anything important or new that you learn during your visit.
• Bring a trusted friend or family member. They can offer emotional support and can also help you with taking notes and asking questions. 

Remember — you can make changes to your treatment plan at any time!

Treating lupus is complex, and it’s normal to need to make changes to your treatment plan from time to time. Your plan might also change if your personal goals for treatment shift.

You’re in control of your treatment plan. And it’s okay to change your mind about a treatment — but be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Stopping a medicine, starting a new one, or trying a new therapy or treatment without talking to your doctor can be dangerous. So let them know right away if you want to make changes to your treatment plan. They can help you do it safely.