Corticosteroids
For patients who have tried using antimalarials medication to control the symptoms of lupus, but has not proven very effective, maybe prescribed corticosteroid in very low dosages to help reduce inflammation. People living with inflammation of the lungs, kidneys, or heart, or deal with a CNS (central nervous system) symptoms, may need to take high-dose corticosteroids during treatment.
Also, corticosteroids may help prevent the appearance of symptoms after the remission period or lupus flares. During treatment, rheumatologists may have to adjust the medications, which depends on the type of flare, severity, and how often the patient experience these flares.
Usually, corticosteroids like prednisone are taken in the form of a pill. Sometimes, they may be prescribed as a topical cream for relieving skin rash caused by lupus. [2]
