Lupus and The Eyes
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
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)? [JUN 2024 Update]
January 3, 2021
December 2022 update: Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying agent for lupus (along with Benlysta).
Antimalarial drugs can treat autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, Sjogren’s, and rheumatoid arthritis…
Here’s how! (described in easy to understand language)
Malaria organism attaching
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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Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus
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New Research May Have Identified a Root Cause of Lupus
Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, affects over a million people in the U.S. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and
Now Research Shows: Lupus tendinitis, common cause of lupus pain
Jaccoud’s arthropathy due to lupus tendinitis (lupus tendonitis) and lupus tenosynovitis What is lupus tendinitis (also spelled lupus
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: It Is Real! (October 2024 Update)
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is one of the most common rheumatologic diagnoses. Many systemic lupus patients start
Lupus and Hives
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect all parts of the body including causing hives (also called
Lupus and The Endocrine System
Lupus, a complex autoimmune condition, impacts various systems in the body, including the endocrine system. The endocrine system
What to Know about a Lupus Nephritis Urine Sample [UPDATED June 2024]
Lupus patients should provide a urine sample regularly to see if there is possible inflammation of the kidneys
3 Proven Ways to Stop Lupus Chronic Kidney Disease Progression [January 2025]
Reducing the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in lupus and other autoimmune diseases is possible. I have
Lupus and Stress Management: How to lessen stress
Lupus and Stress Management: The Science of Stress and the Immune System The video below goes over lupus
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
Chromatin antibody: Make sure you know your labs
Know your labs when you have lupus Chromatin is our DNA packaged up nice and neat with other
Types of Rash in Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide
Lupus patients have many more types of rash than the commonly discussed butterfly rash and discoid lupus. After
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
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 Gastro Issues
Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Understanding the
Hair and Skin Problems in Lupus
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects multiple organs, including the skin. This article explores the nuanced relationship between
Treatment of Lupus: Best Practices and Guidelines
The treatment of lupus has improved significantly over the past decade. Most patients can expect to go into
Bisphosphonate Drugs and Lupus
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects multiple organs and systems in the body, including the skeletal system. One
Lupus and High White Blood Cells in Urine
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease commonly affecting the kidneys and blood cells. One of the lesser-known complications
CNS Lupus: When Lupus Affects the Brain and Spinal Cord
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can attack the brain, spinal cord, and many other organs. When this
Lupus Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Lifestyle changes advice [January 2025]
Eating a diet high in foods that decrease inflammation while avoiding or minimizing foods that increase inflammation can
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
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
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 the Urinary System
Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) occurs in around 45% of people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, lupus
Anti-SSA Test (anti-Ro): Know Your Labs
What is the anti-SSA test? What the lab technician sees under the microscope when testing a patient for
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
Improve Your Life: A Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Test
Revolutionary New Lab Test: Predicts if a lupus patient will have a systemic lupus erythematosus flare! A systemic
Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic
Patients ask about Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic: Sea moss was never on my radar until the
What is Evusheld and Who Should Get Evusheld: Prevent COVID-19 [OCT 2022 Update]
What is Evusheld? It is a treatment to prevent COVID-19 infections. It is not a vaccine. It is
How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [JUN 2024 Update]
December 2022 update: Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying agent for lupus (along with Benlysta). Antimalarial drugs can treat autoimmune
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
Heparin versus Warfarin for Lupus
Lupus can cause blood clots in many different ways. In addition, lupus patients are at higher risk of
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
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
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
Angela Deem of 90-Day Fiancé
A gift for Christmas 2020, since I’m a 90-Day Fiancé fan. Angela wishes me a Merry Christmas and
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
Arthritis – “it’s a Pain in the App” [Coping with lupus]
Guest post: One method of coping with the struggles of lupus Living and coping with the challenges of
Super spreader COVID-19: Infections surge big due to this [Updated]
Super spreader COVID-19: New study shows the answers in the Annals of Internal Medicine Wear a mask to
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
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25 to 30% of
Lupus, the Heart and Blood Vessels
Lupus can significantly impact the heart and blood vessels, known as the cardiovascular system. Understanding the relationship between
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
COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases
Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died Much higher
Lupus and The Digestive System
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect nearly every organ