Evidence checked: 21 October 2026. General education, not individual medical advice.

What is SLE?

Systemic lupus erythematosus, usually shortened to SLE or lupus, is a long-term autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation that can affect several parts of the body. Symptoms and severity differ considerably between people. There is currently no cure, but treatment can control disease activity and help protect health. Having lupus does not mean that every organ will be affected or that your future will follow someone else’s experience.

This guide is for people wondering about symptoms, those recently diagnosed, and relatives trying to understand the condition. It explains what tests can and cannot tell you, why regular follow-up matters, and how to prepare for treatment decisions. It is educational information, not a way to diagnose yourself or choose medication. A clinician needs to interpret your symptoms, examination, medical history, and test results together. If a symptom is new or severe, seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming it is lupus. [1]

SLE is not the same as every type of lupus

SLE is the most common form of lupus and can involve different organs. Cutaneous lupus primarily affects the skin. A person can have skin lupus without systemic disease, or skin involvement alongside SLE. These labels describe patterns of illness; they do not tell you the severity of an individual rash or establish whether other organs need investigation.

Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like illness associated with certain medicines. A clinician reviews the medication history and decides whether a drug could be responsible and how to change treatment safely. Do not stop an essential prescription because its information leaflet mentions lupus. Neonatal lupus is a different condition associated with antibodies passed from a mother to her baby. It is not simply ordinary adult SLE beginning at birth. Asking which type your clinician means prevents confusion when searching for information, because advice about one form may not apply to another. [2]

Who gets lupus, and what causes it?

Anyone can develop SLE, including men, children, and older adults. It occurs much more often in women, particularly during the reproductive years. Lupus also affects some racial and ethnic groups more frequently, and patterns of serious organ involvement differ between populations. These observations can inform awareness, but they cannot confirm or exclude lupus in a particular person.

There is no single established cause. Genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and immune-system changes interact in ways researchers are still investigating. A family history can increase risk, but lupus is not inherited in a simple, inevitable way. Sunlight, some infections, smoking, and certain medicines may contribute to disease development or symptom activity in susceptible people. Identifying a possible trigger is not the same as proving what caused someone’s illness. Patients should not be blamed for developing lupus or for experiencing a flare despite following their care plan. [3]

Symptoms and flares: there is no fixed sequence of stages

Fatigue, painful or swollen joints, rashes, hair loss, fever, and mouth sores are possible lupus symptoms. Some people experience chest discomfort with deep breathing, sensitivity to sunlight, or fingers and toes that change colour. These symptoms are not specific to lupus, and having several of them still does not establish a diagnosis. A persistent pattern deserves assessment, not an online symptom-score verdict.

Lupus often fluctuates. A flare is a period of increased disease activity; remission is a period when disease becomes quieter. Some people have long intervals between flares, while others have more persistent symptoms. SLE does not normally progress through a predictable numbered sequence in which everyone reaches the same final stage. Mild, moderate, and severe describe the current situation, not an unavoidable ladder. When asking about prognosis, a more useful question is which organs are involved now and how your team will look for change. [4]

Rashes, hair changes, and mouth symptoms

A butterfly-shaped facial rash is familiar from pictures of lupus, but it is not the only skin pattern. Lupus can produce different kinds of patches, sores, and sun-sensitive eruptions. Some skin changes can leave scars or pigment changes, so persistent lesions deserve assessment. A face rash alone is not proof of SLE, and the absence of a butterfly rash does not rule it out.

Try to describe a skin change rather than naming it yourself. Note where it appeared, whether it followed sun exposure, whether it hurt or itched, and how long it lasted. Clear photographs taken when the change is visible can help a later consultation, especially when the skin looks different on the appointment day. Include scalp symptoms and hair loss in the discussion. Ask whether dermatology assessment is appropriate and what changes should prompt an earlier review. Avoid applying an unfamiliar strong cream simply because another person with lupus found it helpful. [5]

Fatigue and joint pain deserve a fuller explanation

Lupus fatigue can be much more disruptive than ordinary tiredness. Everyday work, housework, and social activity may feel exhausting even after substantial sleep. Joint pain often affects the hands or feet and may be worse in the morning. Symptoms can move between joints. The intensity of fatigue or pain is important to discuss even if other people cannot see an obvious physical change.

Explain the functional impact: whether you struggle to get dressed, hold a cup, walk your usual route, or concentrate through a meeting. This gives the clinician more useful information than saying only that you feel bad. Record what has changed from your normal baseline and whether the change is continuous or intermittent. A consultation should address symptoms and their effect on daily life, rather than dismissing them because they are common in lupus. At the same time, avoid treating every painful joint or exhausted day as evidence of a new organ-threatening flare. [6]

A positive ANA does not diagnose lupus

The antinuclear antibody test, or ANA, looks for a group of autoantibodies. Most people with SLE have a positive result, which makes it useful in the right clinical setting. However, healthy people can also test positive, and ANA can occur in other autoimmune illnesses. The result must be interpreted with symptoms and medical history. A positive ANA is not a diagnosis, a severity score, or an instruction to start treatment.

If you receive a flagged result through a patient portal, ask why the test was ordered, what the result means in your situation, and whether further assessment is needed. Laboratories may report a titre and staining pattern, but interpreting these details without the clinical context can create unnecessary anxiety. A negative result makes lupus less likely, although the clinician still considers the wider picture. Do not repeatedly order antibody panels to try to settle the diagnosis yourself. The important question is what evidence supports or argues against a specific explanation for your symptoms. [7]

How clinicians investigate suspected SLE

There is no single definitive blood test for SLE. Assessment combines your history, examination, blood and urine results, and sometimes a tissue biopsy. Blood tests may examine blood-cell counts, kidney function, and antibodies such as anti-double-stranded DNA and anti-Smith. Urine testing looks for abnormalities including protein. A skin or kidney biopsy may answer a particular question when other findings suggest a problem.

The clinician also considers conditions that can resemble lupus. Mention symptoms that have disappeared as well as those present today, and bring previous laboratory reports if available. Diagnosis can take more than one visit when evidence is incomplete or changes over time. Ask what remains uncertain and what follow-up is planned, rather than feeling that an uncertain first appointment means nothing is wrong. A useful assessment ends with a clear next step: additional testing, specialist review, observation with a defined plan, or investigation of a different possible cause. [8]

Why kidney checks matter even when you feel well

Lupus nephritis is kidney inflammation caused by SLE. It can affect the kidneys’ filtering ability and, in some people, progress to kidney failure. Possible signs include foamy urine, swelling around the eyes or in the legs and feet, and high blood pressure. These signs are not specific to lupus nephritis, and their absence should not replace recommended testing.

Clinicians assess kidney health using urine tests, blood tests such as creatinine, and blood-pressure measurements. A kidney biopsy can help establish the pattern of injury and guide treatment. If a biopsy is recommended, ask what question it will answer and how the result could change care. Treatment aims to control inflammation and preserve kidney function. The treatment plan may include medicines for blood pressure as well as medicines affecting the immune system. Kidney-related diet advice also depends on individual findings, so do not impose a restrictive kidney diet on yourself solely because you have SLE. [9]

Agree on a urine and kidney surveillance schedule

The ACR lupus nephritis guidance recommends screening for protein in the urine at least every six to twelve months in people with SLE who do not have known kidney disease, and when flares occur outside the kidneys. Known nephritis, abnormal results, or treatment changes can require more frequent monitoring. Your team’s schedule should reflect your own disease rather than a generic calendar.

Ask which blood and urine tests are due, who orders them, and who will discuss the results. A missed urine sample can leave an important gap even if routine blood tests were completed. If you receive an abnormal result, ask whether it needs repeat testing, urgent review, or specialist assessment. Do not assume that every abnormal urine result means lupus nephritis, but do not ignore it because you feel well. For established nephritis, specialist treatment can use combinations of medicines; the biopsy pattern, response, and safety considerations help guide the choices. [10]

For related background on symptoms and testing, see our guide to kidney disease symptoms in females. It provides general context, not a substitute for lupus-specific kidney assessment.

Blood counts and other organs need attention too

SLE can involve the lungs, heart, nerves, and blood as well as joints, skin, and kidneys. Blood tests help monitor disease activity and kidney function, while the symptoms and examination determine whether other investigations are needed. Treatment choices depend partly on the organ involved and how seriously it is affected. Two people with the same diagnosis may therefore receive very different prescriptions.

Report new breathlessness, unusual bruising, significant bleeding, persistent chest symptoms, or neurological changes rather than waiting for the next routine visit. A low blood-cell count needs interpretation: the team must assess its significance and possible causes rather than assuming the diagnosis of lupus explains everything. If several specialists are involved, ask who coordinates the overall plan. A shared medication list and accessible recent test results can make consultations more coherent. Parents of a child with lupus should also discuss school, development, and the eventual transition to adult services with the treating team. [11]

Our guide to immune thrombocytopenia explains the separate topic of low platelets. A low platelet count in someone with lupus still needs its own clinical interpretation.

Blood clots and antiphospholipid antibodies

Some people with lupus have antiphospholipid antibodies, which can be associated with blood clots and pregnancy complications. Having the antibodies does not automatically mean that a person has antiphospholipid syndrome or will develop a clot. Clinicians consider the clinical history and repeat testing when evaluating the syndrome. This is another situation where a laboratory label needs explanation rather than self-treatment.

Tell your team about previous clots, strokes, or pregnancy losses, including events that occurred before lupus was suspected. Ask whether antibody results affect contraception, pregnancy planning, or precautions around surgery and travel. Do not start aspirin or a blood thinner simply because an antibody test is positive. These medicines have benefits in selected situations but also bleeding risks. If anticoagulation is prescribed, establish who monitors it and which symptoms require urgent help. Sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, or stroke-like symptoms need emergency assessment, not an attempt to interpret an old antibody report. [12]

Treatment goals: control disease and limit treatment harm

Modern lupus treatment aims for remission or low disease activity while reducing organ damage and medication toxicity. The 2025 ACR recommendations emphasise hydroxychloroquine when appropriate, limiting glucocorticoid exposure, and introducing other immune-directed treatment when needed. These are principles for individualised care, not a universal prescription that every patient should copy.

Ask what each medicine is intended to achieve: relieve a symptom, control active inflammation, reduce future flares, or protect an organ. Agree on how the team will judge success and when to reassess. A treatment may be helpful even before you feel dramatically different, while persistent symptoms may require a separate explanation. Decisions should account for previous response, other illnesses, infection risk, pregnancy plans, monitoring access, and your preferences. Tell the team when cost, side effects, or practical difficulties make the plan hard to follow. A workable plan that you understand is more useful than an impressive list of prescriptions you cannot reliably obtain or take. [13]

Hydroxychloroquine: benefits are not immediate

Hydroxychloroquine is widely used in lupus and is different from a fast-acting painkiller. It can help control autoimmune symptoms, but improvement may take weeks and the full effect can take several months. Its role in lupus does not mean you have malaria, despite its original use as an antimalarial medicine. It does not strongly suppress the immune system in the same way as some other lupus treatments.

Your clinician chooses the prescription using relevant factors such as body weight, health history, and other medicines. Discuss stomach upset or other troublesome effects instead of quietly abandoning treatment. Make sure every prescriber knows you take it, particularly before adding a new medicine. Ask what to do if you miss a dose, how refills will work, and whom to contact about possible side effects. Do not change the dose to match another patient’s regimen. Keeping an accurate start date is useful because duration of treatment helps inform the eye-monitoring plan. [14]

Eye monitoring is part of hydroxychloroquine care

Hydroxychloroquine can damage the retina in some people, so retinal monitoring needs to be organised rather than left until vision changes occur. The schedule depends on treatment duration and risk factors, including kidney impairment, higher exposure, and use of tamoxifen. Recommendations and local pathways differ, so ask your prescriber which schedule applies to you and who makes the referral.

An ordinary sight test for glasses is not necessarily the specialist retinal monitoring needed for this medicine. Confirm that the eye service knows you take hydroxychloroquine and that results will reach the prescribing clinician. Keep appointment letters and ask what an unclear or abnormal result means before making a medication decision. New visual symptoms should be reported promptly even if routine monitoring is not yet due. Monitoring is intended to detect problems early; it does not mean that everyone taking hydroxychloroquine will develop eye damage or should stop a useful treatment out of fear. [15]

Steroids: follow the taper and never improvise

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone may be prescribed to control inflammation, with the dose and duration determined by the clinical situation. When a course needs to be reduced, the prescriber may provide a gradual taper. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous, particularly after higher doses or longer treatment, and can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of the underlying illness. Do not abruptly stop steroid tablets because you feel better.

Ask for the taper in a format you can follow, including the tablet strength and the dates of any changes. If the written plan and the pharmacy label appear inconsistent, seek clarification rather than guessing. Tell the team if vomiting, a supply problem, or another illness makes it difficult to take the prescribed medicine. Avoid restarting old steroid tablets or increasing a dose to treat a suspected flare without instructions. Symptoms returning during a taper are a reason to contact the prescriber, not proof that you should remain indefinitely on the previous dose. [16]

Other immune-directed medicines require monitoring

Mycophenolate is one example of an immunosuppressive medicine used for autoimmune disease, including lupus. It aims to reduce inflammation and longer-term organ injury. Treatment requires laboratory monitoring, including blood counts and liver tests, and can increase susceptibility to infection. Gastrointestinal effects and other adverse reactions should be discussed with the prescribing team.

Mycophenolate has important pregnancy risks, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. If it is part of your treatment, discuss contraception and future pregnancy plans before conception. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking it, contact the prescriber urgently for instructions before the next dose. Do not independently stop or change treatment; urgent clinical advice should guide the next dose and protect against uncontrolled disease. Ask about infection precautions, vaccination timing, and whether you should contact the team before surgery. The safety instructions for this medicine are not interchangeable with those for every lupus prescription, which is why an individual medication plan matters. [17]

Check the details of every prescription

Methotrexate is another medicine that may be used for selected lupus manifestations. It requires regular laboratory monitoring and has important pregnancy and interaction precautions. In inflammatory disease it is usually taken weekly, not daily; misunderstanding the schedule can be dangerous. Follow the exact prescription and ask the pharmacist to clarify any uncertainty before taking it.

A medicine review should include nonprescription painkillers, vitamins, herbal products, and alcohol use, not only the drugs supplied by the rheumatology clinic. Bring the actual containers or an accurate list when possible. Tell the prescriber about infection symptoms and possible adverse effects. If pregnancy is planned, discuss medication changes well in advance rather than choosing your own stopping interval. The fact that a medicine is also used for another condition does not tell you whether your lupus treatment is appropriate. Ask which problem it targets and what monitoring will show whether the balance of benefit and risk remains acceptable. [18]

Biologic treatments: understand the specific indication

Belimumab, marketed as Benlysta, is a biologic treatment with a US indication for active SLE and active lupus nephritis in patients aged five years and older who are receiving standard therapy. Its effectiveness has not been evaluated in severe active central nervous system lupus, and the label does not recommend it in that setting. Approval therefore does not mean it treats every possible lupus complication.

Before starting a biologic, ask about its intended benefit, route of administration, infection precautions, reactions to watch for, and follow-up. Belimumab carries warnings that include serious infections and hypersensitivity; its current label also addresses serious skin reactions. The clinical team should explain the relevant safety information rather than expecting you to interpret a long prescribing document alone. A biologic is not a guaranteed route to remission, and treatment still needs assessment over time. Availability, approved ages, and practical arrangements can differ by country. [19]

Anifrolumab is not a treatment for every lupus pattern

Anifrolumab, marketed as Saphnelo, targets the type I interferon receptor. Its US indication is for adults with moderate-to-severe SLE who are receiving standard therapy. Its effectiveness has not been evaluated in severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous system lupus, and use is not recommended in those situations. This distinction matters if you are comparing treatments mentioned in advertisements or patient discussions.

Rather than asking which biologic is strongest, ask which option has evidence for the problem your team is treating. Check how the proposed treatment fits with existing medicines and whether there are particular infection concerns or vaccination arrangements. If you see a positive account online, remember that another person’s organ involvement and previous treatment response may differ substantially from yours. Newer does not automatically mean more suitable. A useful decision includes what would lead the team to continue, adjust, or replace the treatment after an appropriate assessment period. [20]

A newer kidney-specific option is not a universal cure

Obinutuzumab, marketed as Gazyva, has a US indication for adults with active lupus nephritis who are receiving standard therapy. The lupus nephritis indication was added in October 2025 and is present in the September 2026 FDA label reviewed for this article. This is a kidney-specific indication, not approval for every person with SLE or every pattern of systemic symptoms.

Its prescribing information includes serious safety warnings, including hepatitis B reactivation and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare serious brain infection. Screening, infusion arrangements, and monitoring are specialist responsibilities. If the medicine is discussed, ask why it is being considered for your particular kidney findings and what alternatives exist. You should also understand which symptoms to report promptly and how the team manages infection risk. This example illustrates why treatment information needs current, indication-specific sources: a medicine can gain a new use without becoming appropriate for all patients who share the broader disease name. [21]

Pain relief needs a safety check

Over-the-counter does not mean suitable for everyone with lupus. Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help pain, but kidney, stomach, bleeding, cardiovascular, and medication-interaction concerns may make them unsuitable. Pregnancy also changes the advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which pain-relief options fit your health history and current medicines.

Read the active ingredients in combination cold remedies and pain products so that you do not accidentally duplicate medication. Tell the pharmacist about lupus nephritis, blood thinners, steroids, and any previous stomach ulcer or serious medication reaction. Do not take another person’s tablets or assume a product sold without a prescription is harmless for prolonged use. Persistent or worsening pain needs review of its cause as well as symptom relief. An agreed pain plan can make it easier to know what you may use, what to avoid, and when symptoms have moved beyond the plan and need clinical assessment. [22]

Infection or flare? Do not guess when you are unwell

Serious infection can cause fever, shaking chills, confusion, breathlessness, skin-colour changes, or a marked reduction in urine. People taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medicines can be at increased risk of sepsis. Not everyone has every warning sign. Feeling suddenly very ill should not be dismissed because you have had lupus-related fever or tiredness before.

A suspected flare and an infection require different clinical decisions, and symptoms alone may not reliably separate them at home. Seek prompt advice for a new fever or possible infection, particularly while taking immune-suppressing treatment. If symptoms suggest a medical emergency, use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine clinic reply. Tell the assessing team about lupus and all current medicines. Do not independently increase steroids to test whether symptoms improve. Bring your medication list if you need urgent assessment, but do not delay emergency help while searching for paperwork. [23]

Plan vaccines around treatment, not around guesswork

Vaccination remains important when illness or treatment affects immune function. Non-live vaccines can generally be given safely to people with altered immune competence, although the immune response may be reduced. Live vaccines can present safety concerns with significant immunosuppression. The correct timing depends on the vaccine and the specific treatment, not just the diagnosis of lupus.

Ask your team to review your vaccination record before starting a new immune-suppressing medicine and at later reviews. Explain any planned travel early, because vaccine requirements and timing may complicate last-minute arrangements. Do not stop lupus treatment on your own to improve a vaccine response. The prescriber and vaccine provider should agree on the plan. A practical record includes vaccine dates, pending doses, and any advice about timing around infusions or other medicines. If you use more than one clinic, make sure each has the same information rather than assuming records transfer automatically. [24]

Pregnancy planning starts before conception

Many people with lupus can have successful pregnancies with careful medical and obstetric care. Planning matters because active disease, kidney involvement, blood-pressure problems, antiphospholipid antibodies, and anti-Ro antibodies can change the risk assessment and monitoring needed. The aim is to enter pregnancy with disease well controlled and a medication plan that is suitable for pregnancy.

Arrange a preconception discussion with rheumatology and an obstetric team experienced in higher-risk pregnancy when appropriate. Ask about contraception while medicines are being adjusted, any tests needed before trying to conceive, and who will coordinate care during pregnancy and after birth. Some medicines can be continued when clinically appropriate, while others need replacement in advance. Do not assume all lupus medicines are harmful or that stopping every treatment is safest. If pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, contact the care team promptly so that the exact prescriptions and disease status can be reviewed. Breastfeeding plans should also be discussed individually. [25]

Sun protection should be practical and consistent

Ultraviolet exposure can trigger skin problems in lupus. Sun protection includes shade, protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen on exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; your own team may advise a higher factor or additional measures. Use the product according to its directions, including reapplication, rather than treating a morning application as all-day protection.

Make the routine fit your life. Keep sunscreen where you will remember it, choose clothing you can comfortably wear, and plan outdoor tasks around available shade. Discuss persistent light sensitivity with the treating team instead of assuming every light source must be eliminated. If a product irritates your skin, ask about an alternative rather than abandoning protection. Skin care supports medical treatment but does not replace it. New or worsening lesions still need assessment, even when you have been careful about sun exposure. [26]

Balance activity, rest, and ordinary daily life

Pacing, staying active within your capacity, a balanced diet, and not smoking can support lupus care. Rest is not a failure, but a plan consisting only of prolonged inactivity may also leave important needs unmet. Discuss appropriate activity with your team, particularly if disease is active or you have organ involvement. There is no single exercise schedule that suits every person or every phase of illness.

Build a day that includes achievable tasks and planned breaks. If work is difficult, consider discussing practical adjustments such as flexibility around appointments or changes to the timing of demanding tasks. Ask family or friends for specific help instead of expecting them to infer what you need. A manageable request might be assistance with shopping or transport to a clinic. Self-management is not a test of willpower and should not become another source of blame. If symptoms prevent basic daily activities, tell the care team so that the plan can be reconsidered. [27]

Do not overlook bone health

Long-term glucocorticoid use can increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weaker and more likely to break. Bone loss may cause no obvious symptoms before a fracture occurs. Age, nutrition, physical activity, smoking, and other factors also affect risk, so bone protection should be considered as part of overall care rather than only after a problem develops.

Ask whether your history calls for a fracture-risk review or bone-density testing and whether any preventive treatment is appropriate. Discuss calcium and vitamin D needs instead of automatically taking high-dose supplements. Weight-bearing activity can support bone health when it is safe for your situation. Mention falls, a fracture after a minor injury, or new significant back pain. If a bone-protection medicine is prescribed, ask how it fits with the rest of your treatment and what follow-up is needed. Prevention should be tailored, especially when kidney disease complicates nutrition or medication choices. [28]

Brain fog and emotional strain deserve support

Problems with concentration, memory, or organising tasks can occur in people with lupus. These symptoms do not automatically mean direct inflammatory injury to the brain. Fatigue, poor sleep, medication effects, anxiety, depression, and other factors may contribute. A clinician can assess the pattern and decide whether investigation or additional support is needed. Sudden confusion, major speech changes, or other abrupt neurological symptoms require urgent assessment rather than a label of brain fog.

For everyday difficulties, try one task at a time, written reminders, and a short list of priorities. Describe concrete examples during appointments, such as missing familiar steps in a task or struggling to follow a conversation. Ask for important instructions in writing. Support for sleep and mental health belongs alongside physical care; it does not mean the symptoms are imaginary. If problems are affecting work, study, or independence, make that impact explicit so the team can consider practical help and an appropriate assessment. [29]

Build a practical appointment and flare plan

Before an appointment, choose your three main questions and prepare a short timeline of changes. Include photographs if useful, current medicines, difficulties obtaining treatment, and the dates of recent tests. Describe what you can no longer do comfortably rather than bringing only a list of possible diagnoses. Ask the clinician to explain any unfamiliar term before moving to the next topic.

Before leaving, confirm what happens next and who is responsible. Know how results will arrive, when to follow up if you hear nothing, and whom to contact outside clinic hours. Ask for an individual flare plan that separates symptoms you can monitor from those requiring a same-day call or emergency help. Keep the plan somewhere accessible to you and anyone who may help during an illness.

Questions to settle with your clinical team
Part of care	Question to ask	What to record
Routine monitoring	Which blood, urine, and blood-pressure checks are due?	Dates, ordering clinician, result contact
Medication safety	Which symptoms or missed doses require advice?	Medicine-specific instructions and pharmacy contact
Eye monitoring	Who arranges my hydroxychloroquine retinal checks?	Referral status and next appointment
Possible flare or infection	Who should I contact, and how quickly?	Daytime and out-of-hours numbers
Life changes	Does pregnancy, travel, surgery, or a new medicine change my plan?	Advance-review date and responsible team

SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment