Treatment
Treatment depends on symptoms.
Medication
Medications for mild symptoms:
- Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve joint pain
- Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) to relieve joint pain
- Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine to relieve joint pain, fatigue, balding, and skin rashes (Note: Regular eye exams are advised while on these medications.)
- Topical corticosteroids for skin rashes
Medications for severe symptoms include:
- Oral and intravenous corticosteroids to control and limit inflammation in kidney, brain, lung, and heart, as well as in cases of severe anemia
- Immunosuppressive drugs to suppress the body's autoimmune system
- Mycophenolate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide for kidney disease or other life- or organ-threatening conditions
- Rituximab for refractory disease
Transplantation and Dialysis
You may consider transplantation and dialysis if you have end-stage kidney failure .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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