Understanding Lupus
and Lupus Nephritis

Knowledge is power for people living with lupus.

Learn about the symptoms and impact of lupus and lupus nephritis on the body.

How does lupus affect the body? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s healthy tissues. What organs can lupus affect? Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. This inflammation may lead to long term damage to these systems.

Common symptoms of lupus include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue (feeling tired often)
  • Joint pain
  • Stiffness and swelling
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose
  • Rashes elsewhere on the body
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Confusion and memory loss

This list is not all-inclusive, and BENLYSTA may not help with all of these symptoms.

Everyone experiences lupus differently. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

Lupus nephritis is a complication of lupus that causes the immune system to attack and inflame your kidneys. This inflammation can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly. Lupus nephritis symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages. It’s important to let your doctor know of any lupus nephritis symptoms you may experience after being diagnosed with lupus.

Common lupus nephritis symptoms include:

  • Sudden and unexplained swelling, especially in the extremities (feet, ankles, legs, fingers, arms) or the eyes
  • Blood in the urine
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Foamy or frothy urine

This list is not all-inclusive, and BENLYSTA may not help with all of these symptoms. Consult your doctor to see if BENLYSTA is right for you.

40%

Approximately 40% of people with lupus will develop lupus nephritis

5 Years

Lupus nephritis most often develops within 5 years of a lupus diagnosis

If you have already been diagnosed with lupus nephritis, consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of the lupus symptoms listed above.


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Active lupus may cause flares if not treated properly.

Lupus flares occur when lupus symptoms worsen or when new ones appear. When lupus flares arise, this means there is a measurable increase in disease activity in one or more organ systems, which can lead to organ damage. Lupus affects everyone differently, and the symptoms of lupus flares can change or look different over time. If you experience a flare of any new or existing symptom, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

How can lupus affect the body?

There’s more to know about lupus and organ damage: When lupus attacks the body, it creates inflammation which can lead to symptoms and damage. What organs can lupus affect? Explore these areas of the body and see how lupus can lead to certain symptoms and organ damage.

Lupus and lupus nephritis create inflammation that can lead to certain symptoms and organ damage
  • Brain

    How can lupus affect the brain? Lupus can impact the brain and spinal cord, with inflammation from lupus possibly leading to headaches, dizziness, and behavior changes.

  • Lungs

    How can lupus affect the lungs? Lupus can lead to inflammation in different areas of the lungs. Some of this inflammation can lead to shortness of breath, pain, and even the development of scar tissue that can impact the amount of oxygen your body receives.

  • Kidneys

    How can lupus affect the kidneys? Lupus can cause inflammation of the kidneys, termed lupus nephritis. Lupus can also affect the urinary system, leading to infections and bladder inflammation.

  • Joints

    How can lupus affect the joints? Lupus can cause inflammation in and around the joints. People with lupus may experience joint pain, and the most common joints involved are the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.

  • Eyes

    Can lupus affect your eyes? Lupus can cause skin problems around the eye. It can cause rashes and scarring around eyelids. Lupus can also cause inflammation of the middle, outer layer, and blood vessels of the eye, as well as dry eye, and sometimes vision problems.

  • Heart

    How can lupus affect the heart? Lupus can cause inflammation in different parts of the heart, and may increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Digestive

    Can lupus affect the digestive system? Lupus may cause problems with the gastrointestinal system, the liver, and the pancreas. Inflammation in the esophagus can even make it difficult to swallow.

  • Skin

    How can lupus affect the skin? Lupus can cause rashes or sores on the face, scalp, neck, arms, and legs.

  • Cardiovascular

    How can lupus affect the cardiovascular system? People with lupus may experience issues with blood and blood vessels, or the veins and arteries connected to the heart. Sometimes lupus causes inflammation in the walls of blood vessels, blocking blood flow to organs.

These are not all the organs and organ systems that could be affected by lupus.

Understanding lupus treatments

Some lupus treatments (standard therapy) can help alleviate symptoms but do not target a specific underlying cause of lupus. These medications include immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antimalarials. 

Learn More About BENLYSTA

 

Why talk to your doctor about adding BENLYSTA?

Pill bottle icon

I am currently on medicines and still experiencing active disease and/or flares

BENLYSTA works with your other lupus medicines as an add-on therapy to reduce lupus disease activity.*

Lupus flares icon

I’m still experiencing flares

If you notice new or worsening symptoms, it may be time to talk with your healthcare provider. Persistent disease activity, including flares, can contribute to organ damage.

Kidney disease icon

I’m concerned about organ damage

Persistent disease activity, including flares, can contribute to organ damage.

Results may vary. *In studies used in the approval of BENLYSTA, when added to other common lupus medications, compared to those medications alone.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is lupus contagious?

    Lupus is not a contagious disease. What causes lupus? The causes of lupus are not completely understood; however, it is believed the following play a role:

    • Genetics: Several genes have been identified as possibly causing lupus
    • Family history: It has been determined that a family history of lupus may predispose a person to developing the disease
    • Environment: Scientists are looking at the link between lupus and certain environmental factors, such as UV exposure, stress, viruses, and toxins 
    • Hormones: It is thought that hormones, particularly estrogen, might play a role in triggering lupus flares

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  • Who can get lupus?

    Roughly 5 million people worldwide have some form of lupus. Nine out of 10 adults with lupus are women, and women of childbearing age are most likely to develop the disease. Women of color are also more likely to develop lupus compared with Caucasian women.

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  • Is BENLYSTA right for me?

    If you’re living with lupus symptoms, it’s important to reduce disease activity and the risk of severe lupus flares. Managing your lupus starts with you. Ask yourself:

    • Have you already been diagnosed with lupus and/or lupus nephritis?
    • Are you currently taking medicines to help manage your lupus and/or lupus nephritis?
    • Has your lupus and/or lupus nephritis continued to be active?

    If you answered yes, talk to your doctor about adding BENLYSTA to your lupus treatment plan.

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