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 (2 evaluations)
Side effects
Total evaluations
2
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (32)
Treatment

(Benlysta)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (3 evaluations)
Side effects
anaphylaxis
Total evaluations
3
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (13)
Treatment

(Prednisone Intensol)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (2 evaluations)
Side effects
Total evaluations
2
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (9)
Treatment

(Apo-Methotrexate)
Perceived effectiveness
for systemic lupus erythematosus (9 evaluations)
Side effects
fatigue
Total evaluations
9
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (7)
Treatment

(Arava)
Perceived effectiveness
No evaluations
Side effects
No evaluations
Total evaluations
0
Tried for
systemic lupus erythematosus (2)

*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 21
20s 498
30s 2,628
40s 7,127
50s 11,566
60s 8,744
70+ 3,641

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 1,242
Female 33,373