The goal of these drugs is to shift the immune system from a hyper state to a normal state. However, some lupus medications may put you at risk of infection or cancer. “There are side effects related to lupus medication that are part of the way the drugs work,” Dr. Askanase told dailyRx News. “That means a certain level of immunosuppression is part of the mechanism action of lupus therapies.” Prednisone may cause weight gain, and high doses of steroids may cause bone thinning, osteoporosis and avascular necrosis (a common complication of steroid therapy where small or large areas of the bone die or are damaged, which could lead to osteoarthritis). Immunosuppressants may cause gastrointestinal intolerance, abnormalities with the liver and irregular blood counts. “It’s the doctor’s job to look out for the side effects, and some acceptance on the part of the patient,” Dr. Askanase said.
