Study Demonstrates Safety of Oral Contraceptives in Women with Lupus

In a major study funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), women with either inactive or stable systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) — a disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages healthy tissues of the skin, joints and internal organs — were able to take oral contraceptives without increased risk of flares, or periods of increased disease activity, that characterize the disease.

Traditionally doctors have been hesitant to prescribe the pill for women living with lupus out of concern that it might increase disease activity.

In the 15-center study of 183 women with inactive or stable lupus, those taking oral contraceptives had no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of flares than those taking a placebo.

"Estrogen, as used in this study, appears to be safe in the majority of women with stable disease," says NIAMS Director Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D. "This research brings us another step forward in improving quality of life for people with rheumatic disease."

NIAMS release: Study Demonstrates Safety of Oral Contraceptives in Women with Lupus

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