What are the common medications used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus?

Commonly used therapeutic drugs for SLE include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, immunoglobulins, and biological agents. 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: such as meloxicam, diclofenac sodium, loxoprofen sodium and so on. These drugs mainly play the role of anti-inflammatory and analgesic, relieve the patient’s joints, muscle aches and pains, and reduce fever. 2. Glucocorticosteroids: such as prednisone acetate, methylprednisolone and so on. This is the first choice of treatment for most SLE patients, especially for patients with moderate to severe activity. For some severe lupus, patients with lupus crisis need to apply glucocorticoid shock therapy. As the patient’s condition improves, the dosage of glucocorticosteroids will be gradually reduced. 3. Immunosuppressants: commonly used ones include hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, and azathioprine. Different immunosuppressants are chosen according to the different organs involved. 4. Immunoglobulin: For some severe lupus patients with co-infections, immunoglobulin shock therapy can be used. 5. Biological agents: For example, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody is mainly used to treat some refractory or critical lupus patients. It is suggested that SLE patients should go to the rheumatology and immunology department of regular hospitals for consultation and treatment in a timely manner, use medication under the guidance of doctors according to their specific conditions, and undergo regular review.