Bridging Gaps in Chronic Conditions: The Role of Complementary Medicine in Lupus Care
How trust, nutrition, and lifestyle changes can transform chronic illness care and support better outcomes.
Understanding Medication Adherence: How to Take Control of Your Health
If you or someone you know is living with lupus, managing symptoms and staying consistent with medications can feel overwhelming — especially when dealing with fears or actual side effects, and juggling up to 6 prescriptions at a time (ie. steroids, immunosuppressants, antimalarials, anti-inflammatories, and supplements).
Multiple studies worldwide show that people with lupus SLE struggle with medication adherence, with nonadherence rates ranging from 43% to 75%, and up to one-third of patients discontinuing therapy within five years (Mehat et al., 2017).
But why does this happen, and what steps can you take to gain control over your treatment?
Let’s dive into what research says about medication adherence in lupus SLE and how you can use these insights to improve your health and wellbeing.
Why Do Patients Struggle with Medication Adherence?
Taking medication consistently isn’t always easy, especially when managing a long-term condition like lupus SLE. Research has shown that emotional, relational, and systemic barriers often get in the way of adherence. These include:
Concerns about side effects: Many patients worry about how medications might or do affect their body, over the short and long term.
Emotional challenges: Living with a chronic illness can take a toll on mental health, making it harder to prioritise medication.
Lack of trust in healthcare providers: Feeling unheard or dismissed by doctors can discourage patients from following treatment plans.
Cultural and personal beliefs: These can shape how people view their medications and influence whether they stick to prescribed therapies.
What Can You Do to Improve Adherence?
The good news is that there are practical ways to overcome these challenges. Here are some tips based on what studies have found:
1. Build Trust with Your Healthcare Team
One key finding from the research is that a strong relationship with your healthcare provider makes a big difference. Patients who feel supported and understood are more likely to stick with their treatment plans. Be open with your doctor about your concerns and ask questions—clear communication goes both ways!
2. Address Emotional Barriers
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or frustrated about managing a chronic condition. Recognising these emotions and seeking support—whether from a therapist, support group, or trusted loved ones—can help you stay motivated and focused on your health goals.
3. Explore Holistic Solutions
Complementary medicine (CM) approaches can work alongside your prescribed treatments to support your overall wellbeing. For example:
Nutritional support: When I was managing my own lupus, I found that adopting a ketogenic whole-food diet, alongside key supplements like vitamin D3/K2 and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), made a significant difference in reducing symptoms and improving my quality of life. Through my personal experience, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how nutrition and lifestyle interventions can complement conventional care.
Mind-body practices: Techniques like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture can improve stress and fatigue.
As someone who has been through my own journey of navigating Lupus Nephritis Class IV and finding a balance between medication and complementary therapies, I now offer support to others facing similar challenges. If you’re interested in learning how personalised nutritional and lifestyle strategies can work for you, I’m here to help.
How I Can Support You
I specialise in creating tailored, evidence-based plans that integrate:
Nutritional support: Helping you find the right diet and supplements to complement your treatment.
Lifestyle interventions: Guiding you in stress management, physical activity, and sustainable changes to improve your overall wellbeing.
Practical adherence strategies: Working with you to address barriers to medication adherence, including emotional and logistical challenges.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, I’d love to work with you. Together, we can design a plan that fits your unique needs and empowers you to thrive. Contact me today to get started!
How Research Helps You Take Control
Here’s what recent studies have uncovered about medication adherence in SLE and how it applies to you:
Emamikia et al. (2022)
This study showed that trust in your doctor and clear explanations about your treatment are crucial for improving adherence. If you feel unsure about your medications, don’t hesitate to ask for more information or request resources to help you understand.
Sloan et al. (2021)
Past negative experiences with healthcare can leave lasting impressions, making it harder to trust future providers. This study highlights the importance of finding a healthcare team that listens to you and prioritises your concerns.
Farinha et al. (2017)
Cultural and emotional factors can also influence adherence. For example, fears about dependency or the emotional weight of managing SLE can be barriers. Addressing these feelings with a culturally sensitive and empathetic provider can make a big difference.
Taking the Next Step
You deserve a care plan that works for you, not just on paper but in your daily life. By understanding the factors that influence medication adherence and working closely with a healthcare team that supports your goals, you can take control of your SLE management.
Complementary medicine approaches, like nutritional support or mind-body therapies, can further enhance your journey, giving you a holistic way to thrive despite the challenges of living with lupus.
If you’re ready to explore how a personalised, patient-centred approach can make a difference, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to create a plan that’s tailored to your needs and fits seamlessly into your life.
Final Thought: Managing lupus SLE isn’t easy, but with the right strategies and support, you can navigate your treatment with confidence. Remember, you’re not alone—your health is a team effort, and you’re at the centre of it.
References
Chen, X., Wang, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Renal and survival benefits of seventeen prescribed Chinese herbal medicines against oxidative-inflammatory damage in Systemic lupus erythematosus. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(1), 112-123. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12010123
Emamikia, S., Johansson, A., & Sjöberg, S. (2022). How can we enhance adherence to medications in patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus? Results from a Swedish study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 51(3), 204-211. https://doi.org/10.1080/03009742.2021.2005055
Farinha, F., Freitas, F., & Fonseca, J. (2017). Concerns of patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus and adherence to therapy – a qualitative study. Lupus Science & Medicine, 4(1), e000215. https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2017-000215
Mehat, P., Atiquzzaman, M., & Esdaile, J. (2017). Medication adherence in Systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review. Rheumatology, 56(5), 771-784. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kex001
Sloan, M., & Sutton, E. (2021). Medication decision-making and adherence in lupus: Patient-physician discordance and the impact of adverse medical experiences. Arthritis Care & Research, 73(5), 670-678. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.24462