Lupus and Medication in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system, instead of protecting you from infections, mistakenly attacks your own tissues. This can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, blood vessels, and the lining of the heart and lungs, leading to ongoing inflammation, pain, and fatigue.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, many people with lupus receive care through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, often in partnership with local rheumatologists.

Lupus Symptoms and Flares

Most people in Grand Rapids living with lupus have a mild to moderate form of the disease but experience flares—periods when symptoms suddenly worsen. These may include:

  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Skin rashes (often on sun‑exposed areas)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Fever
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath

Flares are often unpredictable and may be triggered by:

  • Stress (work, caregiving, financial stress—common concerns for many West Michigan families)
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, including sun and tanning beds
  • Infections or illness
  • Injury or surgery

Lupus is more common in women of childbearing age and tends to affect people of color at higher rates—an important consideration in Grand Rapids’ growing African American and Hispanic communities.

While the exact cause is unknown, a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers appears to play a role.

Lupus Treatment in Grand Rapids, MI

There is no cure for lupus, but medications and lifestyle changes can control the disease very effectively for many people. Because no two people have exactly the same symptoms, there is no “one size fits all” treatment. Your Grand Rapids rheumatologist may prescribe a combination of:

  • Pain relievers (analgesics)
  • Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Hydroxychloroquine (an anti‑malarial)
  • Disease‑modifying anti‑rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Other immunosuppressant medications

Care is often coordinated between your primary care provider, rheumatologist, and sometimes nephrologist, dermatologist, or cardiologist, depending on which organs are affected.

Non‑Steroidal Anti‑Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints and muscles. Common NSAIDs include:

  • Over‑the‑counter:

    • Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®, Motrin®)
    • Naproxen (e.g., Aleve®)

  • Prescription:

    • Diclofenac (Voltaren®)
    • Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
    • Etoricoxib (Arcoxia® – availability may vary in the U.S.)

Possible Side Effects of NSAIDs

The main side effects involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, especially the stomach and esophagus:

  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Internal bleeding (GI hemorrhage)

Because of these risks, your Grand Rapids provider may also prescribe stomach‑protecting medications (such as proton pump inhibitors) if you need NSAIDs regularly.

Other potential NSAID side effects include:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fluid retention and swelling
  • Reduced kidney function

This is especially important for people with lupus nephritis (kidney involvement). Since people with lupus already have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, the use of NSAIDs should always be carefully discussed with your doctor.

Key point: To minimize risks, take NSAIDs only as directed, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest possible time.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) and Other Anti‑Malarials

Medications such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) were originally used to treat malaria, but they are now a cornerstone of lupus treatment.

How Hydroxychloroquine Helps

Hydroxychloroquine:

  • Reduces skin rashes and joint pain
  • Helps control overall immune system activity
  • Lowers the risk and severity of lupus flares
  • May help protect against blood clots and organ damage over time

Most rheumatologists in Grand Rapids recommend hydroxychloroquine for nearly all people with lupus, usually as one or two tablets daily, often as a long‑term medication.

Side Effects and Eye Checks

Side effects are usually mild and may include:

  • Stomach upset or diarrhea
  • Mild rash or skin changes

At very high doses or after many years, hydroxychloroquine can rarely cause eye damage (retinal toxicity). This is extremely rare when the correct dose is used and when regular eye exams are done.

Important: If you take hydroxychloroquine, you should have annual eye exams with an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). There are several eye clinics and specialists throughout Grand Rapids and Kent County who can provide these screenings.

Corticosteroids (Steroids)

Corticosteroids���such as prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone—are synthetic forms of a hormone your body naturally produces (cortisol). They are powerful anti‑inflammatory medications.

They can be:

  • Taken as tablets
  • Given as injections for severe flares
  • Given intravenously (IV) in the hospital for serious organ involvement (for example, at Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)

What Steroids Do

Steroids:

  • Reduce inflammation in joints, skin, lungs, kidneys, and other organs
  • Help relieve pain and fever
  • Suppress the overactive immune system, which helps control lupus symptoms and prevent damage

Steroid Side Effects

The main challenge with steroids is that side effects increase with higher doses and longer use. Possible side effects include:

  • Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, or feeling “wired”)
  • Weight gain and increased appetite
  • Thinning skin and easy bruising
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Osteoporosis (weak bones)
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar and increased risk of diabetes
  • Cataracts or glaucoma over time

Because Michigan winters can limit outdoor activity and sunlight exposure, people in Grand Rapids on long‑term steroids may be at higher risk of low vitamin D and bone loss. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Calcium supplements
  • Vitamin D supplements
  • Weight‑bearing exercise, as tolerated

Key point: The goal is to use the lowest steroid dose that keeps your lupus under good control. Never change or stop your steroid dose on your own—this can be dangerous. Always follow the tapering plan provided by your doctor.

Even though side effects can sound scary, many people with lupus in West Michigan end up on very low long‑term doses with minimal side effects once their disease is controlled.

If you’re worried about steroids, discuss your concerns openly with your rheumatologist or primary care provider. Together you can find a balance between disease control and side‑effect management.

Immunosuppressant Medications

When lupus affects organs such as the kidneys, brain, lungs, or blood vessels, or when symptoms are not controlled with hydroxychloroquine and low‑dose steroids, stronger immunosuppressant medications may be used. These include:

  • Azathioprine
  • Methotrexate
  • Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®)
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Other DMARDs or biologic therapies, prescribed by your rheumatologist

How They Work

Immunosuppressants reduce the activity of the immune system, which:

  • Lowers inflammation
  • Helps protect organs from damage
  • Reduces the frequency and severity of flares

For example:

  • Azathioprine is used for lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and in organ transplant patients.
  • Methotrexate is commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis and can also help with lupus‑related joint and skin symptoms.
  • Mycophenolate is often used to treat lupus kidney disease (lupus nephritis) and is increasingly preferred because of its effectiveness and side‑effect profile.
  • Cyclophosphamide is reserved for severe organ involvement, such as serious kidney or brain disease.

Monitoring and Safety

Each immunosuppressant has its own potential side effects, which can include:

  • Lowered white blood cell counts (increasing infection risk)
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Nausea or GI upset
  • Hair thinning or loss (with some medications)

Because of these risks, your Grand Rapids healthcare team will usually order regular blood tests—often done through local labs associated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health—to monitor:

  • Blood counts
  • Liver function
  • Kidney function

Do not change the dose or stop any immunosuppressant medication without talking to your doctor. Abrupt changes can lead to serious flares.

Medication Interactions and Precautions

Some lupus medications can interact with:

  • Other prescription drugs
  • Over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications (such as cold and flu remedies, pain relievers, and sleep aids)
  • Herbal products and supplements

In Grand Rapids, it’s common to pick up medications from local pharmacies (Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, independent pharmacies). Always:

  • Tell your pharmacist that you have lupus and list your medications.
  • Check with your rheumatologist or primary care provider before starting anything new, even OTC or “natural” products.

Depending on your medication plan, you may need:

  • Regular eye exams (for hydroxychloroquine)
  • Routine blood tests (for methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, etc.)
  • Urine tests (for lupus nephritis)

Managing Lupus Medications Effectively

People who are well‑informed about their lupus and medications tend to manage their condition more successfully. In Grand Rapids, you can:

  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist for printed medication information sheets.
  • Use a pill organizer to help remember daily doses.
  • Set reminders on your phone for medications that must be taken at specific times.

Key tips:

  • Take medications exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not skip doses or “double up” without medical advice.
  • Do not stop or increase any lupus medication on your own.

If you notice new or concerning side effects, contact your doctor’s office, an after‑hours nurse line, or seek urgent care at a local emergency department if symptoms are severe.

Lifestyle and Other Treatments for Lupus in West Michigan

Medication is only one part of managing lupus. In Grand Rapids, where winters are long and cold and summers can be sunny and humid, lifestyle strategies are especially important.

Sun and UV Protection

Because UV light can trigger lupus flares:

  • Limit direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) year‑round—even in winter, as UV rays can reflect off snow.
  • Wear wide‑brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV‑protective clothing when outdoors.
  • Avoid tanning beds.

Physical Activity

Regular, gentle exercise helps with:

  • Joint stiffness and pain
  • Fatigue
  • Mood and sleep
  • Heart health

Consider:

  • Indoor walking at local malls or community centers during icy or cold weather
  • Low‑impact classes (yoga, Pilates, water aerobics) at Grand Rapids area YMCAs or fitness centers
  • Physical therapy referrals from your doctor if you’re unsure where to start

Vaccinations and Preventive Care

Because many lupus medications suppress the immune system:

  • Keep up with annual flu vaccinations (often available through local pharmacies and the Kent County Health Department)
  • Ask about pneumonia, COVID‑19, and other recommended vaccines
  • Schedule regular medical check‑ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening, since heart disease risk is higher in lupus

Healthy Diet and Stress Management

A heart‑healthy, balanced diet is especially important in Michigan, where comfort foods can be high in fat and salt:

  • Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like olive oil and fish).
  • Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive salt.
  • Limit alcohol, which can interact with medications (especially methotrexate) and affect the liver.

Stress is a well‑known lupus trigger. Consider:

  • Mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises
  • Counseling or support groups (some are available virtually through regional health systems)
  • Adequate sleep and pacing your daily activities

Local Lupus Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area, support and information are available through:

  • Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) – often your first contact for symptoms and ongoing monitoring
  • Rheumatologists – specialists in autoimmune and joint diseases, available through:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Other Specialists – depending on your lupus complications:
    • Dermatologists (skin)
    • Nephrologists (kidneys)
    • Cardiologists (heart)
    • Immunologists

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department – for vaccination clinics, health education, and community resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs – for chronic disease support, nutrition counseling, and stress‑management resources
  • Local and national lupus or rheumatology organizations (check for support groups or educational events in West Michigan)

Key Points About Lupus and Medication in Grand Rapids

  • Lupus flares are times when symptoms like rash, pain, and fatigue become more intense.
  • Lupus most commonly affects women of childbearing age, including many in the Grand Rapids area.
  • Medications are essential for controlling an overactive immune system and preventing organ damage.
  • There is no single treatment plan for lupus; therapy is individualized and may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and other immunosuppressants.
  • Newer NSAIDs like Celebrex® may have a lower risk of stomach side effects, but all NSAIDs must be used carefully, especially in people with heart or kidney disease.
  • Regular monitoring, open communication with your Grand Rapids healthcare team, and healthy lifestyle choices are key to living well with lupus in West Michigan.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids and think you may have lupus—or if you’re struggling with your current treatment—schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or a local rheumatologist to review your symptoms, medications, and overall care plan.