Lupus can be triggered by a wide variety of medicines including:

Hydralazine

Steroids: procainamide and prednisone

Anticonvulsants: phenytoin, hydantoin, primidone

Isoniazid

Chlorpromazine

Antibiotics: penicillin, Septrin, Septra

Practolol

Antithyroid: propylthiouracil, methylthiouracil

Methyldopa

Certain other factors can cause lupus flare ups. These include:

Exposure to sunlight (including sunbeds)

Birth control pills containing estrogen

Colds and flu

Pregnancy

In cases of active lupus, a patient may be treated with some or all of the following drugs:

Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs for symptomatic relief

Antimalarial for rashes, arthritis and malaise

Steroids for severe flare ups and in low doses for maintenance

Immunosuppressive drugs in conjunction with steroids for "maintenance"

In addition, a patient may receive anti hypertensives, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and antithrombosis drugs.