The following are possible treatments that could be used to treat
Lupus in the future. None are currently approved as treatments for
lupus.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
The first new drug for mild to moderate lupus to be developed
in some time is on the fast track. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
is an old drug with potentially important antilupus properties.
A natural body substance made by the adrenal gland, DHEA has been
available for more than 50 years and is not regulated by the Food
and Drug Administration. DHEA is a hormone with male-like properties.
Investigators have been interested in male hormones (androgens)
because in animal studies they tend to decrease the immune response
while female hormones (such as estrogen) tend to amplify it.
DHEA has additional effects that may have widespread implications.
In animal models and human studies it has demonstrated potential
to decrease obesity, reduce lipid levels, slow or halt osteoporosis,
improve cognitive functioning, and increase levels of an important
cytokine known as interleukin-2. Levels of DHEA decrease with age,
and lupus patients at any age have less DHEA than one might expect.
Several hundred lupus patients have been given the drug in trials,
and preliminary evidence suggests that it has anti-inflammatory
effects in mild and moderate lupus and can steroid-sparing as well
as being well tolerated with antimalarials. The therapeutic dose
appears to be in the 50 mg to 200 mg range.
Even though it is premature to make any conclusive statements
about DHEA, this hormone is a promising therapy that may be useful
for lupus patients with non-organ threatening disease who do not
have a complete response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
antimalarials or low dose steroids. It could possibly commercially
available in a reliable form in 2-3 years.
What are the side effects of DHEA?
The major side effects encountered thus far include acne and facial
hair growth. Some patients have reported headaches, irritability
and fluid retention. The drug appears to be well tolerated and is
currently being studied in a multicenter, double-blind study that
our center has participated in.
"I am not sure that DHEA is complimentary or whether it is
considered a suppiment, but it has worked for me. My physician started
me on 200 mg of DHEA a day and I am currently taking 300 mg. I started
it because of the Brainfog. It has kept me on an even keel. If I
don't take the DHEA I can tell the difference and so can the people
around me. I will audio the beginning and ending of sentences but
forget the middles. I can tell that I am not doing well, I get "those"
looks from family and friends. :-) I have not had any side effects,
but I am currently taking steroids and Imuran. How can anything
else give me more side effects?? DHEA is NOT a fountain of youth,
but it gave my brain a boost that I really needed." Chris
Cox
Riquent
What is Riquent?
It is a new drug undergoing trials, to evaluate the potential
to prevent renal flares; reduce disease severity, the need for immunosuppressive
steroids/chemotherapy drugs and hospitalization; and improve patients'
quality of life.
More info on Riquent...
Danazol
Is marketed for the treatment of endometriosis. It is an
anti-oestrogen hormone, which has been fond can improve autoimmune
hemolytic anaemia & low platelet counts associated with SLE.
Bromocriptine
Inhibits the secretion of breast milk by blocking the actions
of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates the production of breast
milk. Considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that
many lupus patients have elevated prolactin levels. This,
in turn, is associated with an immune dysfunction.
Forums
News
Store
Search
Complementary Therapies 
Medication Reviews