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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
09:43
Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
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Polypharmacy in Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Jianing Yang1, Matthew E Growdon2, Jessica Fitzpatrick2
1Alameda Health System, Oakland, California.
Arthritis Care & Research
|October 24, 2025
Summary
Polypharmacy is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affecting over half of patients. Medication optimization is crucial for managing the complex drug regimens in this population.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy prevalence in U.S. adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not well-established.
- SLE disproportionately affects younger and minoritized populations.
- Understanding medication use is critical for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy among U.S. adults with SLE.
- To identify the most common medications used by SLE patients.
- To explore factors associated with polypharmacy in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 451 adults with validated SLE in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Self-reported prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
- Polypharmacy defined as ≥5 medications; analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Over half (56.3%) of SLE patients reported polypharmacy.
- Older age, higher disease activity, cumulative damage, longer duration, and more immunomodulating drugs were associated with polypharmacy.
- Commonly used medications included hydroxychloroquine, glucocorticoids, anti-hypertensives, and pain relievers.
Conclusions:
- High polypharmacy rates in SLE highlight a significant medication burden.
- Individualized medication optimization strategies are needed.
- Addressing both prescription and OTC medications is essential for SLE management.
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