What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily involving connective tissue. It affects multiple systems including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and the peripheral blood cells. Treatments vary according to the area affected and may include drugs or supportive care.

How do members experience systemic lupus erythematosus?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with systemic lupus erythematosus*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for systemic lupus erythematosus*

*Data from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Compare treatments taken by people with systemic lupus erythematosus*

Treatment
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment

(Plaquenil)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (3 evaluations)
Side effects
diarrhea weight loss
Total evaluations
4
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (28)
Treatment

(Benlysta)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (7 evaluations)
Side effects
anaphylaxis fatigue 1 more
Total evaluations
7
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (15)
Treatment

(Apo-Methotrexate)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (9 evaluations)
Side effects
fatigue hair loss 1 more
Total evaluations
9
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (15)
Treatment

(Prednisone Intensol)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (5 evaluations)
Side effects
depressed mood elevated blood pressure 4 more
Total evaluations
5
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (14)
Treatment

(Imuran)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (5 evaluations)
Side effects
diarrhea low white blood cell count (leukopenia) 2 more
Total evaluations
5
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (6)

*Data from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Who has systemic lupus erythematosus on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 32
20s 694
30s 3,230
40s 8,166
50s 11,588
60s 7,584
70+ 2,601

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 1,218
Female 33,115