While there is no definite treatment to cure lupus, an autoimmune disease, there are treatment alternatives for better condition management especially when the treatment is started in the early stages. The drug prescription will not only depend on the severity of the condition but also on the response to the drug, which will be accordingly adjusted at regular intervals for effective treatment. Some drugs that were used for other conditions were found to be helpful for lupus as well, and eventually, the progress in science has brought out two drugs – rituximab and belimumab – which are used for treatment in severe lupus conditions.

Steroid creams for the treatment of skin rashes.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen to help with joint symptoms and reduce inflammation. These drugs are prescribed only for short time spans.

Steroid tablets like prednisolone are used for short-term treatment of pericarditis or pleurisy, and for long-term in the treatment of severe blood problems or kidney inflammation. Taking these tablets requires a lot of care and attention and regular monitoring for effective treatment and to avoid unprecedented breaks that could harm the body when abruptly discontinued, etc.

Antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine reduce inflammation and useful for treating both joint pain and fatigue. This is used in combination with steroid creams to treat rashes, and also aids in helping with kidney function as well as lowering cholesterol.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed to mellow down the overactive immune system, aid in controlling high blood pressure, and also aid in the prevention of kidney problems. They are usually prescribed for a longer span of time and will be reduced when the condition is less active. These DMARDs are also used in conjunction with steroids in order to reduce the use of high steroid drugs. Some common examples include ciclosporin, methotrexate, and azathioprine.

Another treatment method through biological therapies helps to reduce the production of autoantibodies by reducing the activity of B-cells. However, this method is still under research.