Medications

For those living with lupus, blood clots can be a significant health risk, possibly leading to strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary thromboses and especially kidney damage. Treating for these conditions means that many with SLE add anticoagulants (blood thinners) to their lengthy list of medications. What could this mean for you?  Read on to find out!…

Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can be life-changing – even life-saving – for those living with lupus.  Yet, they carry serious side-effects and can disrupt your quality of life.  So, how to balance the good with the bad?  Under physician supervision, carefully tapering your steroid dosages –even eliminating them – may be the answer.  Read on to…

For some with lupus, monoclonal antibodies are life-changing medications that reduce the need for corticosteroids and immunosuppressants – and their side effects.  How do monoclonal antibodies work and are they an option for you?  Read on to find out! Introduction What are antibodies and what is so special about monoclonal antibodies? How do monoclonal antibodies…

If you have lupus, you are likely already using NSAIDs – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  They are the most widely used pharmaceuticals for treating the most common symptoms of lupus – pain and inflammation.  Yet, what do we really know about them, and what should we know?  Read on to find out! Introduction What are NSAIDs…

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a leading cause of death in SLE and can affect from 40% to 50% of those with lupus. Yet, newly approved drug therapies promise to change the future LN.  Read on to learn more about this dangerous condition and how it can be treated. Introduction: What is lupus nephritis? Who is…

If you have lupus, you must be wondering, is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccination?  The short answer is yes, but there are some facts you need to know as you consult with your healthcare provider on taking the vaccine.  Read on to find out more! Introduction I have SLE; is the COVID-19 vaccine…

We at Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus are monitoring the ever-changing news concerning the use of the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for treating the COVID-19 virus during the current global pandemic. Plaquenil, is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for lupus.  It is primarily used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, but as…

In light of the current opioid crisis, it is important to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with this class of prescription painkillers for those living with lupus. Introduction What are opioids? Dealing with an Opioid Addiction Alternatives to Opioids In Conclusion Introduction Right from the beginning, it is important to note that…

Introduction What exactly is the flu? What are the updates with the flu shot this year? Who gets the flu, and who should get the flu shot? Why is it so important for those with lupus to get the flu shot? Are there any reasons that I should NOT get the flu vaccine? When and…

At Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus, we rigorously stay up-to-date on the latest lupus treatments and therapy strategies.  In this article, we explore the uses of cannabis and its derivatives.  The following is a brief overview that may begin to answer some questions that you may have. Introduction How can cannabis and its derivatives effectively treat lupus…