As its name suggests, immunosuppressive therapy aims to decrease the activity of the immune system. Indeed, during lupus, we know that there is an "hyperactivation" of the immune system, including certain white blood cells called lymphocytes. Many immunosuppressive treatments therefore target these lymphocytes and aim to reduce their number and activity. Although some of these immunosuppressants can be used in oncology at higher doses, the (anti-cancer) term "chemotherapy" should not be used when these drugs are prescribed during lupus.

The main immunosuppressants used during lupus are:

Methotrexate, taken orally or subcutaneously,

Oral azathioprine.

Cyclophosphamide, mainly as an intravenous perfusion and more rarely orally.

Oral mycophenolic acid.

Methotrexate is mainly used in severe joint damage. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolic acid are prescribed in other forms of lupus with severe visceral involvement (kidney damage, neurological damage).

Erwin Wodicka, Siedlerzeile 3, A-4062 Thening, Austria, Tel. + 43 676 5103678