May 28, 2009

A Potential New Treatment for Severe Discoid Lupus

Discoid lupus is a form of lupus that affects the skin (cutaneous lupus). In most cases the discoid lupus rash appears on the face, neck, or scalp, though it can also show up on other areas of the skin. Severe discoid lupus may result in scarring. The treatments that are used most often for severe discoid lupus are strong immunosuppressants that may have significant side effects, especially when used over long periods of time. Efalizumab (trade name, Raptiva™) works by interfering with the function of overactive immune cells that are causing disease activity. The researchers in this study wanted to see if Raptiva could be effective in treating discoid lupus.

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3 comments:

RA/LUPUS GIRL said...

always love to hear about new options, but this one is scary: http://www.raptiva.com/raptiva/index.jsp?q=Raptiva&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Anonymous said...

I have bee through various studies for Discoid, to no avail. Still on Plaquenil since 1975 and still lost my hair, but it's ok now there are wigs!! Good ones.

gneidigh said...

I was diagnosed two years ago and continue to lose my hair, has anyone tried any kind of accupunture as a possible relief for the scalp pain?
I am on two anti-malaria meds, and dioxpin for pain.
G.Neidigh