Drugs

Purpose

NSAIDS
Ibuprofen, Motrin
Corticoid
Steroids:
Prednisone
(Deltasone)
Non-steroids:

Arthritic pain
(Mild disease)
Used for
immunosuppression
and to reduce
inflammation
Immunosuppression

Methotrexate
and Azathioprine
(Imuran) with
Folic Acid
Anticoagulants:

How soon will

they work
Onset <30 min
Varies

1-2 hr

Special Considerations
GI upset, contraindicated for renal patients,
NSAID induce hepatitis
Monitor for fluid retention, HTN, renal
dysfunction
*check blood glucose levels.
Do not stop steroids abruptly.
For people that have side effects to steroids
can be combined with folic acid for a better
toleration.
Sunblock, careful with sun

Anti-coagulants

Warfarin
(Coumadin)
Heparin

Warfarin (0.5-3
days)
Heparin (20-60
min)

Antimalerial:
Suppression of
Hydroxychloroqui synovitis (joints), fever,
ne (plaquenil)
and fatigue

2-4.5 hrs

Check for bleeding.

PT (warfarin), PTT (heparin) tests
Do not stop abruptly
Coumadin:
-Vitamin K considerations.
Encourage frequent eye exams @ 6 & 12
months
-Takes several months to kick in.

Alternative:
Antileprosy drug
dapsone
At ADVANCE
LEVEL:
Immunosuppresa
nt:
Cyclophosphami
de (Cytoxan),
mycophenolate
mofetil (CellCept)

Prescribe to reduce the

need for long term
corticosteroids AND
Cyclosphosphamide:
Appropriate for
treatment for severe
organ system disease,

<1 hr

Alternative used if patient cannot tolerate SE

of plaquenil
Monitor for drug toxicity and side effects.
Avoid aspirin

lupus nephritis.