Which type of medication may increase the risk of flares in SLE patients?

Estrogen-containing contraceptives are known to potentially increase the risk of disease flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The association stems from estrogen's immunomodulatory effects, which may exacerbate inflammation and autoimmunity in predisposed individuals, such as those with SLE. Research has indicated that hormonal changes, particularly those induced by estrogen, can lead to increased disease activity in some patients.

In contrast, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are typically used to manage pain and inflammation without significantly affecting the underlying disease activity. Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine, are commonly utilized for long-term management of SLE and are known to have protective effects against disease flares. Corticosteroids, while they can lead to side effects with long-term use, are often effective in controlling disease flares when administered appropriately, rather than promoting them. Thus, the impact of estrogen-containing contraceptives on disease activity is what makes them a unique concern for patients with SLE.