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Live Better with Lupus – Supported by the Mzima Program
Understand lupus, prevent flares, and get consistent support for medicines, monitoring, and lifestyle.
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
Lupus is a long-term autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage in different parts of the body (skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells, or brain).
There is no single test for lupus, and symptoms can vary widely. With early diagnosis, regular follow-up and the right treatment, most people can prevent flares and protect their organs.
Unsure about your symptoms? Book a consultation and discuss testing.
Why Lupus Management Matters?
If poorly controlled, lupus can lead to:
Skin/Joints
Flares that affect skin and joints
Kidneys
Organ complications such as lupus nephritis (kidneys) or inflammation of the heart and lungs
Heart/Lungs
Fatigue, anaemia, and increased infection risk
Blood/Immune
Long-term organ damage without consistent care
Signs & Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Joint pain or swelling, muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Skin rashes (including butterfly rash) and sun sensitivity
- Mouth or nose sores
- Fever, hair loss, swollen glands
- Chest pain with deep breaths, shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs or around the eyes, foamy urine (possible kidney involvement)
Best advice: Track your symptoms and triggers. Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, or new/worsening swelling.
Book a Free Consultation & Enroll in MzimaManaging Lupus
Lupus care combines healthy daily habits and medicines to control inflammation, prevent flares, and protect organs.
Lifestyle Tips (Global Standards)
Use sun protection (broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing).
Stay physically active as advised; balance activity with rest.
Eat a balanced diet; maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
Keep up with routine vaccines as recommended by your clinician.
Manage stress and sleep; track symptoms and flares.
Medication & Clinical Support
Hydroxychloroquine is commonly recommended for most people with lupus unless contraindicated.
Steroids may be used for flares, but the goal is the lowest effective dose and gradual taper.
Additional medicines (as prescribed for your case) can include immunosuppressants; biologics like belimumab or anifrolumab may be considered when needed.
Kidney involvement (lupus nephritis) requires specific regimens; your care team will guide testing and treatment.
Your Mzima care team helps coordinate medicines, monitoring, lifestyle, and specialist referrals as needed.
How the Mzima Program Supports You
When you join the Mzima Program for lupus, you will receive:
Care plan
Personalized care plan and flare-prevention education.
Follow-ups
Free monthly follow-ups with a medical expert.
Medicines
Access to affordable prescription medicines and supportive supplements as available.
Delivery/Reminders
Home delivery and refill reminders so you never run out.
Lab
Linkage to labs (for monitoring) and to specialists when needed.
Caregiver support
Caregiver support and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions about appropriate disease
Not yet, but it can be controlled. With the right plan, most people reduce flares and protect organs.
Not necessarily. The aim is to minimize steroid use and rely on other medicines to keep disease under control.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade; your clinician will advise based on your photosensitivity.
Your clinician will recommend age-appropriate vaccines and timing, especially if you take immune-suppressing medicines.
Yes. Moderate activity helps overall health; pace yourself and adjust during flares.
