General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
During lupus follow-up, tell the doctor without delay about any new or unusual symptom that worries you. Fever while taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressants is an example given by Assurance Maladie. Do not wait for the next review or a prevention discussion.
This information concerns systemic lupus already diagnosed in an adult. It is a chronic autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks components of the body. Possible involvement varies, including the skin, joints or kidneys, and differs from person to person.
Follow-up is not limited to symptoms felt during a flare. Appointments and prescribed investigations monitor organs, disease changes and treatment tolerability. The team agrees their timing with you; ask which aim each review addresses.
Sun exposure can trigger a lupus flare. Discuss protection and everyday exposure with the team, including outside summer. During remission, physical activity suited to your health can continue; seek advice before taking up more intense sport.
If you are considering pregnancy, tell the doctor so a preconception appointment can be arranged. The plan needs preparation with the team, including checking medicines and arranging monitoring. Do not assume that a symptom-free period removes precautions concerning medicines or pregnancy.
Improvement is not a reason to stop treatment on your own. Report adverse effects and tell other professionals which medicines you take. Also discuss difficulties at work or socially; depending on need, the team, a social worker or a patient association can help.
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