The treatment for an SLE sufferer depends on the symptoms he or she experiences and how severe they are. In treating SLE, the doctor has to prevent flares, treat the flares, and minimise organ damage and complications.
The main treatment in SLE involves the use of corticosteroids, the most common being prednisolone. Long-term side effects of corticosteroids can include weakened bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar (diabetes), damage to the arteries, infections, and cataracts.
As such, Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM) has started an SLE Fund to help needy patients who have to undergo joint replacement and cataract operations due to the side effects of corticosteroids. The SLE Fund will subsidise the purchase of their prosthesis or lens implant.