CBD for Lupus: Look here for the best advice [2023 Update]
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD for Lupus)? Should patients use CBD or other cannabis products for lupus?
Drugs used in lupus
Voclosporin for Lupus Nephritis: Great results in The Lancet
May 10, 2021
Note the impressively higher response rates in the blue bars (Lupkynis + mycophenolate + steroids) compared to pink (standard of care without Lupkynis). Impressive! This graph comes from the Lancet article referenced below. This is what pops up when you …
Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!
May 5, 2021
Which is better for lupus nephritis?
Here is my answer!
Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or Lupkyinis? … and the winner is… (read below)
Updated 6/1/21: I included:
– The specifics on the complete renal responses Benlysta vs
…– The specifics on the complete renal responses Benlysta vs
Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [January 2025)]
April 18, 2021
Saphnelo for Lupus: It improved lupus in all domains tested.
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) has the lupus community excited a
Pronounced saf-NEH’-low
Read about how Saphnelo compares to Benlysta in my other blog post. Each has its pros and cons.
Saphnelo–the …
Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
April 4, 2021
A drug made from up to 100,000 healthy volunteers!
Intravenous (IV) means getting a medicine delivered into your vein
Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG)
Immune globulins (also called immunoglobulins) are antibodies. A large number of antibodies given in IVIG may help
Melatonin For Lupus May be Good Per the Best Medical Evidence [NEW!]
March 23, 2021
Melatonin For Lupus: What does the Research Show?
(Updated August 2021)
Why do people think that melatonin for lupus patients is unsafe?
Many people think that melatonin for lupus and other autoimmune diseases is unsafe. I
DHEA and Lupus: Research shows it to be useful and good in some
March 3, 2021
Other Facts about DHEA and lupus
– DHEA and lupus: DHEA stands for DeHydroEpiAndrosterone
– It is produced by the adrenal glands
– It is made from cholesterol (yes, cholesterol is a necessary …
Rheumatologists: What if hydroxychloroquine eye tests show retinopathy [FEB 2023 Update]
February 14, 2021
Do not automatically stop hydroxychloroquine if your eye doctor tells you your patient has HCQ-retinopathy!
Heed my practical advice below
credit: By Wies6014 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=77634880
FEB 2023 UPDATE: Good news from a 2023 study…
…“
How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [February 2025 Update]
January 3, 2021
Did you know that using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to help lupus patients was discovered by accident? Since that accidental discovery, we have learned much about how hydroxychloroquine works for lupus patients and others with related autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and …
Benlysta approved for lupus nephritis: is it for mild cases?
January 2, 2021
Lupus Question of The Day: Is Benlysta for mild lupus nephritis?
Ask Dr. T question and shortened answer about Benlysta in lupus nephritis
Question of the Day:
“I have lupus nephritis and just heard that Benlysta has been approved
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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Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [January 2025)]
Saphnelo for Lupus: It improved lupus in all domains tested. Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) has the lupus community excited a
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It is indeed possible to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with lupus and
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
Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares
If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Lupus and Hives
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hives (also called urticaria). Hives are itchy, swollen bumps that appear on
Share Lupus Experiences Now: Help current research on lupus
IF YOU HAVE LUPUS OR ARE A CAREGIVER: Help current research on lupus by sharing your experiences with
6 Supplements For Lupus That Worsen Lupus and 6 Supplements that Help Lupus [February 2025 Update]
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. This post discusses a 2024 research study
Immunosuppressed Patients Respond to Booster Shots: Hope for a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disease Patients? [Updated 8/12/21]
Will a COVID Booster Vaccine for Lupus Patients Increase Response Rates? We do not know, yet. However,
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can lead to blood clots through various mechanisms. In addition, lupus patients are at
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
Lupus and Hepatitis B Vaccine: Endorsed in the CDC guidelines
Lupus and Hepatitis B Addendum: The recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines changed in 2022. The CDC recommended that
COVID Vaccine and Lupus: Join in a Research Study Now
How the COVID Vaccine and Lupus Interact is Important to Figure Out: Consider Joining this NIH Research Study
DHEA and Lupus: Research shows it to be useful and good in some
Other Facts about DHEA and lupus – DHEA and lupus: DHEA stands for DeHydroEpiAndrosterone – It is produced
The Best Lupus Books? Look in the useful list below
Kelli of “More Than Lupus” describes what she considers the best lupus books What are your favorite
Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A drug made from up to 100,000 healthy volunteers! Intravenous (IV) means getting a medicine delivered into your
Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine to Prevent Lupus and Other Diseases?
An Epstein Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to prevent lupus? EBV infection may be a common trigger, causing the
What is a Lupus Flare: Prevent and Treat [January 2025]
Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will experience a lupus flare. Many have multiple flares. In this
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!
10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other
Anifrolumab FDA approval to treat systemic lupus [Saphnelo]
Anifrolumab FDA Approval to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) AstraZeneca announced its anifrolumab FDA approval on 8/2/2021. In
How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [January 2025 Update)
A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and
Lupus Tendonitis: A Common Cause of Pain in Lupus Patients
https://www.lupusencyclopedia.com/book-photos/#tendon…
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ
Research Results in Dealing with Autoimmune Disease Fatigue Now
The causes of fatigue and dealing with autoimmune disease fatigue. Tips on how to improve energy with
Dr. Donald Thomas gets his extra COVID vaccines: It was easy!
UPDATED September 2021: I cannot wait to get my extra COVID vaccines … specifically my 3rd booster shot!
COVID Vaccines, Evusheld & Stopping Drugs for Shots [FEB 2023 Update]
Stopping Methotrexate for 1 Week as Effective as 2 Weeks after Flu shots [FEB 2023 Update) This
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
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis: Now in a nutshell in this video [FEB 2025 UPDATE]
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis in easy-to-understand language ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a
Lupus and The Endocrine System
Lupus, a complex autoimmune condition, impacts various systems in the body, including the endocrine system. The endocrine system
Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices and Guidelines [January 2025]
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into
Itchy Skin Can Be a Sign of Active Lupus
Updated JUN 2023 Itchy skin can occur with active lupus rashes (cutaneous lupus). However, other causes are much
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
Lupus and Vegetarian Diet: What is the best medical evidence?
Ask Dr. T Question about lupus diet and vegetarians Lupus and Vegetarian Diet? Eating a Vegetarian Diet can
VA Disability for Lupus: Navigating Your Claim [February 2025 Update]
Startling statistic: A large study showed that Afghanistan and Iraqi veterans suffering from PTSD were twice as likely
Top Dermatologist Tips For Itchy, Dry Skin in Lupus and Sjögren’s [October 2024 Update]
Unfortunately, dry, itchy skin is a common problem in lupus patients. Most patients try everything they think may
Colossal Shortage of Rheumatologists is Here: Panic?
World-wide shortage of rheumatologists= getting worse. This is why it is getting harder to get an appointment with
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
Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine
Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes! What I tell my systemic lupus patients
Lupus and the Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel
Is it Safe to Receive Botox or Filler Injections For Lupus Patients?
A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to
Lupus Eyes
Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the
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.
Lupus Joint and Muscle Pain [February 2025 Update]
Close to 90% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will have joint and muscle pain. Fortunately, today’s
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! Heed my practical
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
Lupus Flare After Flu Shot? Question of the Day Here
Do Flu Shots Cause Lupus Flares? Lupus flare after flu shot? Question of the day: Dr. Thomas, I
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
Proteinuria in Lupus Nephritis: Video tips and the bottom line [FEB 2023 UPDATE]
When excessive protein leaks from the kidneys and into the urine, it is called proteinuria. Proteinuria in lupus
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: Now see me excited to get it
What was it like getting the COVID-19 vaccine? … and some advice for lupus patients A rheumatology