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BLyS-Specific Inhibitors
Belimumab, a B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein inhibitor, was approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2011 for patients with lupus who are
receiving other standard therapies, including those listed above [73-75, 102-104, 108-112,
120, 125-133]. Given by IV infusion, it may reduce the number of abnormal, pathologic B
cells in lupus. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fever. Patients may also
experience reactions at the infusion site, for which antihistamines can be given in advance.
Less commonly, serious infections may result.

Other Lupus Therapies

In some patients, methotrexate or other hormonal therapies such as
dehydroepiandrosterone and intravenous gamma globulins may be useful for controlling
lupus when other treatments have failed [73-75, 102-104, 108-112, 120, 125,126, 127-133].
In addition to medications to address the lupus itself, it may be necessary to take additional
medications to treat problems related to lupus such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
or infections.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Because of the cost of the medications used to treat lupus and the potential for serious
side effects, many patients seek other ways of treating the disease. Some alternative
approaches include special diets, nutritional supplements, fish oils, ointments and creams,
chiropractic treatments and homeopathy [134]. Although these methods may not be harmful
and may be associated with symptomatic or psychosocial benefit, no research to date
conclusively demonstrates that they ameliorate the disease process itself, or prevent organ
damage. An open dialogue between the patient and physician regarding the relative values of
complementary and alternative therapies will allow the patient to make an informed choice
about these treatment options [134].

References
U.S. or applicable copyright law.

[1] O'Neill S, Cervera R. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Best Pract. Res. Clin. Rheumatol.
2010;24:841-555.
[2] Aringer M, Hiepe F. [Systemic lupus erythematosus]. Z. Rheumatol. 2011;70:313-323.
[3] Feng X, Zou Y, Pan W, Wang X, Wu M, Zhang M, Tao J, Zhang Y, Tan K, Li J, Chen
Z, Ding X, Qian X, Da Z, Wang M, Sun L. Prognostic indicators of hospitalized
patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a large retrospective multicenter study in
China. J. Rheumatol. 2011;38:1289-1295.

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