To Örebro University

Background: Antimalarial agents (AMAs) are cornerstone drugs in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and their use has established benefits, such as improved prognosis and decelerated accrual of organ damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of discontinuation of AMAs and associated factors in a Swedish SLE population.

Methods: We retrieved data from a regional SLE register where all patients fulfilled the 1982 ACR and/or the 2012 SLICC classification criteria. A total of 328 subjects were included in the analysis.

Results: Altogether, 92.4% (303/328) had been prescribed AMAs at some point during their disease. At the last available visit, 67.7% (222/328) were currently prescribed AMAs. Among individuals who had discontinued use, 24.7% (20/81) had developed a contraindication. Side effects were also common reasons for discontinuation (n = 38); gastrointestinal symptoms (52.6%, 20/38) were most common. Patients who discontinued had accrued more organ damage at the last visit (mean SDI: 2.9; SD: 2.8) compared with those still on AMAs (mean SDI: 1.4; SD: 1.8; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Most patients had been exposed to AMAs, but 25% discontinued therapy. Among side effects leading to discontinuation, >50% were gastrointestinal, calling for adequate gastroprotection towards drug retention and prevention of organ damage progression.