Which of the following is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) commonly used for lupus management?

• A. Methotrexate
• B. Azathioprine
• C. Hydroxychloroquine
• D. Corticosteroids

Answer: (C)

Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug commonly used for lupus management because it helps reduce overall disease activity and prevent flares across multiple organ systems. It modulates the immune response rather than providing only immediate anti-inflammatory relief, which is why it’s considered disease-modifying. For many patients with SLE, starting hydroxychloroquine early improves long-term outcomes and can reduce reliance on corticosteroids. Nursing considerations include baseline and ongoing retinal screening due to the risk of ocular toxicity, along with monitoring for GI upset or skin reactions. In contrast, methotrexate and azathioprine are immunosuppressants used for certain lupus manifestations, especially when arthritis or organ involvement is present, but hydroxychloroquine is the drug most commonly used across the lupus population. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories used for rapid control and bridging therapy, not DMARDs.