Lupus and The Eyes
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
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Immunosuppressed Patients Respond to Booster Shots: Hope for a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disease Patients? [Updated 8/12/21]
August 11, 2021
Will a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus Patients Increase Response Rates?
We do not know, yet. However, the August 12, 2021 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine reported significant responses in immunosuppressed organ transplant patients. This gives …
Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus [Saphnelo February 2025 Update]
August 2, 2021
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) is the 2nd FDA-approved biologic to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The first biologic was belimumab (Benlysta).
This article discusses Saphnelo in detail. To compare Saphnelo and Benlysta, see my other article on this topic: lupusencyclopedia.com/saphnelo-vs-benlysta
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Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
March 21, 2021
Anti-SSA is a positive blood test in many lupus and Sjogren’s disease patients. It is also called anti-Ro antibody. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are anti-SSA positive have an increased risk for some lupus complications like sun-sensitive rashes, subacute cutaneous …
Lupus and COVID vaccine: Tested in the clinical trials = safe and effective!
January 23, 2021
Lupus and COVID vaccine: Dr. Thomas recommends not waiting to his patients, read below…
Research regarding the COVID vaccine and lupus patients continues to be done. Should you wait to get yours? Dr. Thomas answer this question below:
“I’ll tell
How the Covid-19 Vaccine Works: amazing!
December 29, 2020
It is amazing how the COVID-19 vaccine works (the mRNA vaccines, especially)
It intrigues me how the COVID-19 vaccine works! How effective it is, and how safe it is.
I got mine, #1, as of 12/29/20, and I got my …
Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine
December 18, 2020
Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes!
What I tell my systemic lupus patients as of 12/18/20: 4:00 PM regarding getting a COVID-19 vaccine for lupus patients
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Now see me excited to get it
December 3, 2020
What was it like getting the COVID-19 vaccine? … and some advice for lupus patients
A rheumatology researcher becomes a research study participant for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
…Dr. Kathryn Dao, a rheumatologist in Dallas, Texas, wrote about what it
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
October 13, 2020
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus
Click here to participate in the Lupus Foundation of America Survey:
The survey is about your experience with being diagnosed with lupus
…The survey is about your experience with being diagnosed with lupus
Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior
September 23, 2020
Lupus by Lupus Warrior and Lupus Fighter Shanelle Gabrielle
“I still have a purpose … A reason to smile … I’m still living my life with no regrets.”
You think you own me
Squeezed my life in your palms
Taken
…Squeezed my life in your palms
Taken
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
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Super spreader COVID-19: New study shows the answers in the Annals of Internal Medicine Wear a mask to
Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Immune globulins (also called immunoglobulins) are antibodies. A large number of antibodies given in IVIG for systemic lupus
Bisphosphonate Drugs and Lupus
Many SLE patients have fractures in their spine (vertebral fractures), and around half do not realize it. After
CAR-T Cell Therapy For Lupus Made Simple (January 2025 UPDATE)
The field of CAR-T therapies in treating autoimmune diseases like lupus is rapidly expanding. As of April 2024,
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
How to collect a urine sample properly for testing (UPDATED January 2025)
It is essential for lupus patients to regularly collect an accurate clean catch urine sample
Lupus and Cancer Risk: Learn to Prevent Cancer! [August 2024]
People who have lupus have an increased risk for getting some cancers. Knowing what they are and how
Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines: How Effective is One COVID shot?
CDC Study answers this question Please get your COVID-19 vaccine! We all would like life to go back
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: 2025 Sunspots & Milder Lupus?
Johns Hopkins Lupus Center Reviews: Could sunspots in 2025 lead to milder lupus? 2014 photo by NASA showing
Can Discoid Lupus Turn into Systemic?- “Sure” Now more about the truth
The Latest Research Answers the Question: “Can discoid lupus turn into systemic lupus erythematosus?” Discoid lupus: note the
Supplements That Worsen Lupus & 6 That Help [March 2025 Update]
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, predominantly affects women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men.
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index Test: A new lupus lab test
The aiSLE DX Flare Risk Index test The Lupus Foundation of America, in its continuous quest to advocate
Lupus Mottled Skin & Symptoms (Feb 2025 Update)
One skin issue associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is “mottled skin,” with livedo reticularis being one of
Weight Loss & Exercise in Lupus: the science & patient view [March 2025 Update]
Weight loss & exercise provide many benefits to lupus patients. Healthcare providers consider exercise as “free medication” with
Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic
Patients ask about Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic: Sea moss was never on my radar until 2022-2023.
New Pneumonia, Shingles, RSV, and Hepatitis Vaccine Recommendations [2024]
Centers for Disease Control 2024 Vaccine Recommendations In 2024 came out with its new vaccine recommendations. In this
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: It Is Real! (Feb 2025 Update)
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is one of the most common diagnoses made by rheumatologists. Many systemic lupus
Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!
Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep
VA Disability for Lupus: Navigating Your Claim [Feb 2025 Update]
Startling statistic: A large study showed that Afghanistan and Iraqi veterans suffering from PTSD were twice as likely
Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
Lupus and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”
What do the following have in common? Lupus A drawing by a 3-year-old Julian Lennon Flowers and gardening
Lupus and Hives
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hives (also called urticaria). Hives are itchy, swollen bumps that appear on
Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia – Q & A Video
Dr. Donald Thomas Answers Lupus Patients’ Questions on His Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia Watch this
Lupus and Stress Management: How to lessen stress [January 2025 Update]
Lupus and Stress Management: The Science of Stress and the Immune System January 2025 Update: Mounting evidence that
Good Advice on Lupus and Bactrim [per sulfa antibiotic research]
Lupus and Bactrim: List sulfa antibiotics (like Bactrim) in your allergy list if you have lupus Lupus patients
Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Lupus [Feb 2025 Update]
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACLA), a type of antiphospholipid antibody, can thicken the blood and potentially cause devastating blood clots
Top Tips on Taking Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus [Ultimate Guide February 2025]
Taking hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is considered the most important drug for lupus. It is the
“Do I need a mask after vaccination?” Now here is the truth
Please continue to protect yourself as you did before if you have lupus or another systemic autoimmune disease
Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior
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Do I need a 5th COVID Vaccine AND Evusheld if I have lupus? [December 2023 UPDATE]
December 2023 Update: Yearly Fall COVID shots and a replacement for Evusheld The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has
Provocative Advice: Lupus Patients need COVID Vaccines [2021]
Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus
Rheumatologists: What if hydroxychloroquine eye tests show retinopathy [FEB 2023 Update]
Do not automatically stop hydroxychloroquine if your eye doctor tells you your patient has HCQ-retinopathy! Read more about
Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [February 2025]
Saphnelo and Benlysta are two FDA-approved biologics for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work in two very
Lupus Fog Treatment? Vitamin Improves Memory in Research
Finding an effective lupus fog treatment remains elusive. Yet, a 2023 study called the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin
Three Potential Book Covers for The Lupus Encyclopedia 2nd Edition
THE VOTE IS IN! See the new book cover below 315 people voted for the new book cover
Childhood Trauma, PTSD, Racism, Stress, and Lupus
Multiple studies show that stress and trauma increase the risk of developing lupus as well as causing lupus
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing
Lupus Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment [March 2025 Update]
Most systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients get headaches. Are these due to lupus? Or are they due to
How Severe is Your Lupus? Use a Lupus Severity Index
Read on to learn how you to figure out your lupus disease activity with a Lupus Severity Index
Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
Anti-SSA is a positive blood test in many lupus and Sjogren’s disease patients. It is also called anti-Ro
How to Prevent Lupus & Other Autoimmune Diseases [January 2025]
This blog post will give advice on how to prevent lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I will first
Proteinuria in Lupus Nephritis: Video tips and the bottom line [March 2025 UPDATE]
When excessive protein leaks from the kidneys and into the urine, it is called proteinuria. Proteinuria in lupus
Is Fibromyalgia an Autoimmune Disease? Research suggests “YES!”
Research Article: Passive transfer of fibromyalgia symptoms from patients to mice Goebel A, Krock E, Gentry C, Israel
Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!
Which is better for lupus nephritis? Here is my answer! Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or
Lupus and the Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
Lupus and Taking Probiotics/Prebiotics: The truth [Updated JUL ’23]
Lupus and taking probiotics: Should you take probiotics if you have lupus, and what are the best probiotics
Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [February 2025 Update]
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) effectively treats individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. It reduces the overactivity of an immune system molecule
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ