Tocilizumab-either an injection or an IV infusion Methotrexate-either an oral medication or an injection These medications have also been shown to be effective in treating severe, active lupus and they include:įor kids with severe arthritis symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an immunosuppressant that's used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) such as: If your child's disease is more severe, your pediatric rheumatologist may recommend treatment with a stronger IV immunosuppressant that's normally used to treat some kinds of cancer. Mycophenolate mofetil-a daily oral medicationīelimumab-a monthly intravenous (IV) medication Some examples of maintenance medications include: The one your doctor chooses often depends on which part of your child's body has disease activity. There are several types of maintenance medications that doctors use to treat lupus in children. The goal for your child's long-term treatment will be another kind of immunosuppressant called a “steroid-sparing" maintenance medication. Over time, if your child's symptoms and lab work are improving, the dose will be tapered off. However, because of their side effects (see below), steroids aren't a long-term medication option. This is because steroids work quickly to suppress the immune system and ease symptoms.
CorticosteroidsĪlso known as “steroids" (though these aren't the same as the steroids that athletes sometimes use), corticosteroids are often the first immunosuppressant medication your child's doctor will prescribe after lupus is diagnosed. These medications are called immunosuppressants. Lupus medications work by preventing your child's immune system from becoming overactive. Lupus causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to excess inflammation. What medications are used to treat lupus? Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for your child's individual needs. Since lupus affects every person differently, not every child will need the same medications. Children who have lupus often need multiple medications to help manage their symptoms. Systemic lupus erythematosus ( lupus) is a chronic condition that can affect various parts of the body. By: Marla Guzman, MD, FAAP & Grant Syverson, MD, FAAP
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