Drug-Induced Lupus - Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Many times, the medicines thought to cause lupus are required to treat certain disorders. This means that the condition often cannot be prevented in individuals who need these medicines. Lupus-like syndrome is an unforeseeable side effect of these commonly used medicines. While the condition cannot be prevented, withdrawal of the medicine does solve the problem. Most people who take these medicines do not develop the lupus-like syndrome.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Usually, there are no long-term effects. Withdrawal of the medicine generally reverses the symptoms of drug-induced lupus within a few days or weeks. However, it may take up to a year for all the symptoms to resolve in some cases.

What are the risks to others?

Drug-induced lupus is not contagious and poses no risk to others.