Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)

Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents used to control acute flares and severe organ-threatening disease (such as lupus nephritis). Long-term use is limited by significant side effects including bone loss, weight gain, diabetes risk, and increased infection risk, so the therapeutic goal in modern SLE management is minimizing corticosteroid dose and duration wherever possible.

Dose varies enormously by disease severity, from low-dose maintenance to high-dose pulses for severe flares; tapered as disease-modifying therapies take effect.

pharmaceutical