Overview of pharmacological management for SLE in adults

For pharmacological management specific to children and adolescents with SLE, see Management for SLE in children and adolescents.

Many of the drugs used in the treatment of SLE have potentially adverse effects on reproductive health in both females and males. The choice of immunomodulatory drugs needs careful consideration in people of childbearing potential, including children and adolescents. See Reproductive health in people with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Immunomodulatory drugs that are commonly used for the management of SLE, include:

• hydroxychloroquine—usually the first-line drug for all people with SLE
• systemic corticosteroids—very commonly used in combination with hydroxychloroquine
• other immunomodulatory drugs—for severe organ- or life-threatening features of SLE; used in combination with hydroxychloroquine and systemic corticosteroids.