- Chronic Care
Lupus
Lupus treatment available online today
Request treatment for lupus online from our trusted, board-certified doctors and find relief today. Get a new prescription to treat lupus or refill an existing prescription today.*
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Manage Lupus concerns conveniently from anywhere
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Same-day appointments to evaluate Lupus symptoms
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of lupus. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about lupus
Lupus is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation. Lupus occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
In addition to the skin and joints, lupus can affect other organs in the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, and brain. Many people with lupus experience debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and fever.
There are several types of lupus, including:
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain throughout the body. Instead of fighting potential threats to the body, the immune system targets healthy tissue, leading to organ damage.
Lupus of the skin
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus affects the skin. People with lupus of the skin often experience issues like skin rashes and sensitivity to the sun. Hair loss can also be a symptom of cutaneous lupus.
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus is caused by certain medications. People with this type of lupus share the same symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. However, this type of lupus is often temporary, and symptoms clear up once you stop using the medication causing it.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus
Neonatal lupus is found in infants at birth. Children with neonatal lupus have antibodies that were passed to them from their mother. This type of lupus is rare, and not every baby born to a mother with lupus will have neonatal lupus.
Lupus causes
In healthy people, the immune system protects the body from potential threats. With lupus, the immune system attacks itself in a process called autoimmunity, or the "loss of self-tolerance."
Although the exact cause of lupus is unknown, some possible risk factors include:
Exposure to sunlight
Infections
Stress
Specific medications
Smoking
Excessive drinking
Stopping lupus medications
Research shows that antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are usually present in people with autoimmune disorders, including lupus. ANAs work by targeting the nucleus of the body's cells, which contain genetic material.
Lupus symptoms
Every case of lupus is different, and people with lupus may experience different symptoms. The symptoms of lupus can come on suddenly or develop gradually. They can vary in severity and may be temporary or permanent.
The symptoms of lupus will vary depending on which body systems lupus affects. Some common symptoms of lupus include:
Chest pain
Joint pain and inflammation
Fever or headache
Skin lesions when exposed to UV radiation
Fatigue and memory loss
Shortness of breath
Dry eyes
Anemia
Blood clots
How to treat lupus
Although there's no cure for lupus, there are several treatment options to manage the disease and improve daily functioning.
Every person is different, and your treatment plan may vary depending on the type and severity of lupus. In most cases, treating lupus involves a combination of medication and home remedies.
Lupus medications
Because lupus can contribute to multiple health problems, there are several types of medications that can treat the disease. Together with your doctor, you can find the best treatment plan and medications for you based on your lupus diagnosis.
Some common medications used to treat lupus include:
Pain relievers (analgesics)
If you're experiencing pain, your primary care doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce swelling and treat fever.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs treat pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. Many lupus patients take a low-dose aspirin to lower their risk of blood clots.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
These drugs work to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent joint damage, and preserve joint functioning in people with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants stop your immune system from attacking healthy cells. If you're having severe symptoms of lupus that affect your organs, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants.
How to prevent lupus
It's not always possible to prevent lupus. However, you can take steps to avoid symptom flare-ups:
Avoid sun exposure to reduce skin rashes
Practice low-impact exercises to combat joint pain
Maintain healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet
When to see a doctor for lupus
If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
Severe stomach pain
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Seizures
New onset of fever
Excessive bruising or bleeding
Mood changes or confusion
Related conditions to lupus
Lyme disease
Similar to lupus, Lyme disease presents as an autoimmune disease. Lyme disease is caused by a tick bite, which transmits bacteria, leading to an infection. Both diseases can cause pain and a distinctive skin rash, so it's important to talk to your doctor to find the best treatment.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread chronic pain and tenderness. Fibromyalgia doesn't cause an increased risk of lupus, but people with lupus are more susceptible to fibromyalgia pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus are both autoimmune diseases. With RA, the immune system mainly affects the joints. However, lupus can affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, heart, and brain.
Lupus treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for lupus?
The best treatment for lupus usually involves a combination of medications, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants. Lupus medications work in different ways to relieve symptoms and manage related health conditions.
What is the best medication for lupus?
The best medication for lupus will depend on the type and severity of lupus. Many people with lupus take low-grade NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
What is the life expectancy for lupus?
With proper treatment, most people with lupus can live a normal life span. Although there's no cure for lupus, most cases of lupus are not fatal.
How serious is lupus?
Lupus varies in severity from person to person. Some people have mild cases, while others have moderate and severe cases, which are more difficult to manage. For people with severe flare-ups, there's a greater chance that lupus may cause life-threatening problems.
Can lupus just go away?
No, there's no cure for lupus. Treatment for lupus focuses on relieving symptoms, controlling the disease, and limiting the amount of damage it does to your body.
How does a person get lupus?
The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but research suggests that lupus results from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. People with a genetic predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with environmental triggers.
What are the chances of surviving lupus?
The chances of surviving lupus are high. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, most people with lupus live normal life spans with proper treatment.
3 simple steps to request treatment for lupus today
Step 1
Book a lupus consultation appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your lupus symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
If prescribed, pick up prescription for lupus treatment.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Lupus treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request lupus treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Lupus treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American College of Rheumatology. Lupus. Accessed on July 8, 2022. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Lupus
Lupus Foundation of America. Understanding Lupus. Accessed on July 8, 2022. https://www.lupus.org/understanding-lupus
Mayo Clinic. Lupus. Accessed on July 8, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789#:~:text=Lupus%20is%20a%20disease%20that,%2C%20brain%2C%20heart%20and%20lungs.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.