Corticosteroids

Another common treatment method involves the use of corticosteroid hormones like prednisone (Deltasone) and hydrocortisone. Corticosteroids are related to cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone, and works by rapidly suppressing inflammation. These can be taken by mouth, by injection, or applied to the skin (creams) and are considered potent with short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term includes swelling, increased appetite, and weight gain, and commonly stop when the drug is stopped. Long-term side effects include stretch marks on the skin, weakened or damaged bones (osteoporosis and osteonecrosis), high blood pressure, damage to the arteries, high blood sugar (diabetes), infections, and cataracts. Due to their potency, doctors start off with the lowest dose possible and yielding the greatest benefit. The higher the dose and the longer they are taken means the greater risk and severity of the side effects. Abruptly stopping the use of these drugs are dangerous so doctors gradually decrease the dose until the disease is under control. To reduce the risk of side effects like osteoporosis, doctors may advise lupus patients to take supplements like vitamin D and calcium.

Examples: methylprednisolone (Medrol), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol)