Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue throughout the body. Flares can affect almost any organ, joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and the nervous system, and are separated by periods of relative calm. SLE is significantly more common in women of childbearing age and is diagnosed at higher rates across East and Southeast Asia than in most Western populations.
Medicines used to treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
What drives flares and how SLE is managed
No single trigger causes SLE, but sun exposure, infections, stress, and hormonal changes are well-recognised provocateurs. Long-term management aims to prevent flares, protect organs, and keep the immune response calibrated without suppressing it entirely.
Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial that also belongs to the broader antiparasitic class, is a cornerstone treatment for SLE: it reduces flare frequency, lowers the risk of organ damage, and is used continuously rather than only during attacks. For more severe or refractory disease, azathioprine, an immunosuppressant within the autoimmune support category, helps control inflammation and allows lower doses of corticosteroids over time.
If you develop chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, blood in urine, or a severe headache during a flare, seek medical attention promptly, as these can signal serious organ involvement.