Treatment for Lupus with Cytotoxics and Immunosuppressants
Because systemic lupus erythematosus has an autoimmune character (which means that it is produced by the immune system's attack on the body's own healthy tissues), it can be controlled by immunosuppressants, including Cytotoxics, a class of medicines commonly used for cancer. These medicines are effective against the inflammation and suppress the immune system's abnormal activity.
The most frequently used immunosuppressants in the treatment of kidney problems generated by lupus are cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and mycophenolate.
For skin rash control and articular pain relief, both generated by lupus, methotrexate is commonly used. It is also prescribed for persons in which cyclophosphamide or azathioprine are not effective or cause side effects. The original use of these medicines is in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Cyclosporine treats membranous disease, a disorder of the kidneys. It is rarely used for lupus because it causes kidney toxicity.
Immunosuppressants are also used in association with corticosteroids in case of serious symptoms for which other treatments are ineffective. One such symptom is severe skin rash. Once the symptoms are under control, corticosteroids are reduced and eventually interrupted. Immunosuppressants may cause birth defects, if used during pregnancy. In case you consider getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about the interruption of the treatment with this class of treatments.
The side effects of immunosuppressants may be immunity decrease by the lowering of leukocytes number and increased risk of infection. A low immunity decreases significantly the body's ability to fight bacteria, viruses or fungi such as herpes type viruses (cytomegalovirus), staphylococcus or yeast. Other temporary side effects are diarrhea, hair thinning and nausea.
The association of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids controls serious kidney disorder generated by lupus and reduces the damage produced on the tissues. It is more effective than corticosteroids used alone and decreases the necessary dose of this type of medication.
Combined immunosuppressants and corticosteroids result in positive effects against the symptoms of lupus. But you need to be constantly monitored because the side effects may be strong, even stronger than the benefits.
Methrotrexate is used in the treatment for cancer; its effects on lupus are still being studied. For now it is used to deal with easy cases of lupus characterized by mild symptoms.
Immunosuppressants may cause birth defects, if used during pregnancy. In case you consider getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about the interruption of the treatment with this class of treatments.
Immunosuppressants and Cytotoxic drugs, may, in a small percentage of the cases, put the patient at increased risk for cancer. In cases of lupus that menace the patient's life, though, the benefits of these medications are greater than the risks.