Lupus Awareness - Day 19: Antimalarials and Their Unexpected Role in Lupus

Hello

Today was my first weekday back to my routine, and it felt good to return to the rhythm that grounds me. Each morning, I usually meditate, walk, and plan—and after the beautiful (but full!) time in New York, I’m thankful to ease back into my own space and flow.

As I moved through my routine today, I reflected on how many parts of living with lupus require a rhythm, too, especially when it comes to managing symptoms. That brings me to today’s topic: antimalarials.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite spread through mosquito bites. It affects red blood cells and can lead to fever, fatigue, and in some cases, organ complications.

Antimalarial medications were created to target this parasite, but researchers discovered they also had powerful benefits for autoimmune conditions like lupus.

Antimalarials in Lupus

For those of us with lupus, medications like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can help manage some of the most common symptoms: skin rashes, joint pain, and fatigue.

They don’t suppress the immune system like other drugs. Instead, they help balance it, reducing flare—ups and inflammation while allowing the body to function as normally as possible.

How They Help

✔️ Treat skin and joint symptoms

✔️ Decrease the frequency of flares

✔️ Reduce inflammation without full immunosuppression

✔️ Taken orally, usually once or twice a day

✔️ Require annual eye exams to monitor for rare retina-related side effects

💜 Where We Are With Fundraising

We’ve now raised $3,021.05, and we’re still moving forward through May 30 in support of the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter.

Your support helps fund education, advocacy, and community resources that matter deeply to people like me—and those still trying to find their way after diagnosis.

👉🏽 https://linke.to/2025lupuswalk

If you’d like a blog post that explores Plaquenil or antimalarial use in more depth, reply and let me know. I love hearing what resonates with you.

xoxo

Jowanna

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