Overview of other immunomodulatory drugs used for SLE
Fanouriakis, 2021Basta, 2020Fanouriakis, 2019
Other immunomodulatory drugs may be used, in addition to hydroxychloroquine and systemic corticosteroids, for management of severe organ- and life-threatening features of SLE. These drugs are often started early for their corticosteroid-sparing effect and to achieve control of disease activity. They include:
For considerations on immunomodulatory therapy (including adverse effects, monitoring, screening for infection, vaccination, and reproductive health), see Principles of immunomodulatory drug use in adults.
Some immunomodulatory 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.