CNS Lupus: When Lupus Affects the Brain & Spine
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack the brain, spinal cord, and many other organs. When this
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 [February 2025 Update]
April 18, 2021
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) effectively treats individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. It reduces the overactivity of an immune system molecule at the heart of lupus immune system dysfunction: type 1 interferon.This article discusses some aspects of Saphenlo. Also, please see my …
Read More » 
Intravenous Immunoglobulin: IVIG for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
April 4, 2021
Immune globulins (also called immunoglobulins) are antibodies. A large number of antibodies given in IVIG for systemic lupus erythematosus may help in some autoimmune disorders such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis. However, IVIG is not commonly used for SLE. It is …
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! Read more about hydroxychloroquine eye tests
Heed my practical advice below
credit: By Wies6014 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=77634880
FEB 2023 UPDATE: Good
…
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.
On Trend
Most Popular
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
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
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks [March 2025 Update]
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25 to 30% of
Chromatin antibody: Make sure you know your labs
Some systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are positive for anti-chromatin antibodies. This is an interesting antibody that has some
Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color
Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of
Early Signs of Lupus: What to Look For
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. Early diagnosis is key
Lupus and the Respiratory System [March 2025 Update]
The respiratory system, or the pulmonary system, is commonly affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This system plays
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
Effects of lupus on the body [Feb 2025 Update]
The effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the body are diverse, impacting individuals in unexpected and varying
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
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
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
Increase Energy with Lupus ([February 2025 Update]
Did you know that energy loss is the most common disabling problem in people living with systemic lupus
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices & Guidelines [Mar ’25 Update]
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into
FDA approves Benlysta for lupus nephritis December 2020
Benlysta (belimumab) is the 1st drug ever FDA-approved to treat lupus nephritis ​Historic milestone! ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins
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
Angela Deem of 90-Day Fiancé
​A gift for Christmas 2020, since I’m a 90-Day FiancĂ©Â fan. Angela wishes me a Merry Christmas and
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
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
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
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,
Benlysta During Pregnancy: Safe and Effective [UPDATE July 2024]
July 2024 Update on Benlysta in Pregnancy A review in the British Medical Journal discussed the recent studies
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
Joint Protection Advice for Lupus Arthritis
Joint Protection Advice for Lupus Arthritis Joint protection is essential in dealing with pain. When you rest a
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
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
3 Ways to Stop Lupus Kidney Disease Progression [Jan 2025]
It is indeed possible to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with lupus and
Lupus and the Urinary System [March 2025 Update]
Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) occurs in around 45% of people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, lupus
Immunosuppressants and COVID Vaccine: Fundamentals in the new guidelines
Immunosuppressants and COVID vaccine: which you should stop and not stop American College of Rheumatology Clinical Guidance Summary UPDATED
Lupus and Fibromyalgia
Lupus and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Connection Lupus and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, but they often coexist, causing
Lupus and Thyroid Medications
Lupus and thyroid disease go hand in hand. The thyroid gland, which is situated at the front of
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
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
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
Bottom Line on Diabetes vs Lupus and Stroke & Heart Attacks
Lupus and Stroke and Heart Attacks: A bigger problem than we thought! We have known for a long
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
Lupus in Women: From Puberty to Menopause
Lupus in women occurs much more often than in men. There are many reasons this occurs. Also, 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
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
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
Lupus and Vaccines: Shingles, Shingrix, and Zostavax
Knowing how lupus and vaccines interact is important since infections are one of the top two causes of
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 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
The Lupus Secrets [Practical Tips for Living with Lupus]
Do you have lupus, then you absolutely want to learn about follow The Lupus Secrets so that you
Lupus and Gastro Issues [March 2025 Update]
Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Mouth sores
“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
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
Lupus and the Nervous System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) commonly affects the body’s nerves. Our nerves cause us to be able to feel