U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
East Elmhurst, NY
A 25-year-old male asked:

My mother is 45 y/o, she been diagnosed with lupus in the joints.dna is (-) but her ana is high. doc want to give penlesta inj .should i let her take t?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
I'd go for it: Belimumab is a remarkable new anti-lupus drug. We have a saying in pathology, "treat the patient, not the labs", and especially in rheumatology, the labs are there only to lend limited support to the rheumatologist's diagnosis. If your mom's "rheumy" wants to give this medicine a try, i'd urge her to accept. Lupus is almost never textbook-perfect.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ronald Krauser
A Verified Doctoranswered
Rheumatology 54 years experience
Probably: This question is impossible to answer without knowing the severity of the disease and her previous therapies. That said, Benlysta (belimumab) is a very effective therapy for many people with lupus.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 4, 2016

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.