Applying Self-Management to Your Daily Life

Medication decision-making

Medication decision-making relates to the partnership between a patient and a physician to determine the best medication to prescribe for lupus and lupus nephritis.

The lupus and lupus nephritis Self-Management Skill Builder videos found below explain why working with your doctors to choose the best medication, and taking it correctly, is an important part of lupus and lupus nephritis self-management.

Managing medication side effects

Medication side effects can be difficult to deal with. However, it is important to know that it can be dangerous to stop taking your lupus medications. Tell your healthcare providers about any side affects you are experiencing. Together, you can determine if you:

• Are confusing a lupus or lupus nephritis symptom with a drug side effect.
• Can change the dosage of your medication and how that may lessen side effects.
• Should try a new medication and what side effects to expect.

It is a good idea to keep track of medication side effects in the same way you track your physical symptoms. That way, you will have all the information you need to discuss with your healthcare team in one place.

Alert your healthcare provider about the symptoms that you are experiencing, and work with them to make any changes to your medications. Do not stop taking your medication suddenly unless directed by your doctor.

Self-management goal setting for medication decision-making

Here are goals to help manage medications that you can set and work toward:

• Make a list of all of the medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements that you are taking.”
• Bring a list of questions about your medication, including side affects you should expect or may be experiencing to all medical appointments and pharmacist visits.
• Bring a list of refills you need with you to each medical visit to avoid running out of your medications between visits.
• Discuss any medication cost challenges you have with your healthcare provider.
• Use a day-of-the-week pill box to help you take your medications as prescribed or an app to remind you of your medication schedule. Watch Self-Management Skill Builder: Managing Medications video below to see an example.
• Avoid the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can reduce kidney function. These popular pain relievers can be easily purchased at a grocery store, pharmacy or online. These drugs include ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Always remember that NSAIDs are included in many over-the-counter medicines for cold, allergy, sleep problems, and in headache powders.

Your medications play a central role in managing lupus or lupus nephritis. If you feel uncertain about getting started on these goals, ask for help starting with your doctors and pharmacist.

A word from doctors who treat lupus nephritis