When it comes to lupus, there’s always ‘rheum’ for knowledge
If there was one person who gave us a clearer picture of what this “invisible disease” looked like, it was the “Queen of All Media” herself, Kris Aquino. In an IG reel, Kris shared photos and videos of the physical manifestations of her lupus flare-up — bruising all over the body, facial rash, her thinning hair and frame.
By being transparent about her health journey, Kris has been instrumental in raising awareness on the disease and in encouraging other patients to seek help and support.
Shining the light on Filipinos living with Lupus
Kris is not alone. This autoimmune disease affects the lives of at least five million globally with a significant impact on women.
Here in the Philippines, this chronic condition presents daily challenges, affecting 30 to 50 out of 100,000 people.
Writer and entrepreneur Melanie “Mel” Cuevas was 11 years old when she had a retinal hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye). Her doctors were baffled. Normally, it happens to someone with high blood pressure or diabetes.
“They said I was too young to have it at that age,” shares Mel. “So they tested me for high blood pressure, diabetes and leukemia, which turned out negative.”
The following year, she developed pain in her fingers and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Soon, Mel started having more symptoms such as hair loss, chest pain, and butterfly rashes on cheeks.
“A friend of my mom advised me to see a rheumatologist,” relates Mel. She was off on vacation at that time in the US, and it was there where she got tested positive for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Patients are often referred to rheumatologists — physicians specializing in diseases of the joints and muscles — who develop a sub-specialty in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases like SLE or lupus.
“The prognosis scared me,” Mel admits. “I also got depressed by the physical effects and changes it brought: My face was bloated and I gained weight from the steroids being administered to me at that time.”
So what’s life like for a lupus patient?
“Most days, it will be like any other. But there are times when you feel so tired for no reason. And so, depending on how I feel, I do more or do less, exercise more or less. I work at home if needed,” she says.
Unlike Kris, who was diagnosed with SLE in her 50s, Mel has lived the past three decades managing and raising awareness about it.
“It tests your patience, will, and your faith. You need to have regular medical checkups and take your meds religiously to be in the best condition possible,” notes Mel, board member of Hope for Lupus Foundation. “Like what I’ve said, you have good days and bad days. And through the years, you realize you also need to manage your activities to be in the best shape possible — take a rest when you need to and do more when you can.”
But despite these challenges, Mel graduated at the Ateneo de Manila with degrees in Business Management and Finance, and had her master’s degree in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Today, she helps manage her family’s business.
“It’s very important to have a strong support system (family and friends),” she shares. “It will also help if the people around you are familiar with your condition. If you’re working, it’s also helpful to have an understanding and supportive boss and colleagues.”
Asked what the common misconceptions about lupus are, Mel hastily replied, “Initially, most people think of it as a skin condition, but that’s just one of its physical manifestations. Also, some people can be misled into thinking that just because you look okay, you are okay.”
According to Mel, every person dealing with a chronic condition like lupus wants to be happy and make a difference like everyone else.
“And they still can — with early diagnosis, proper medication and treatment. it’s just a matter of taking things day by day and focusing on the small wins.”
SLE explained
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in many parts of the body, including joints, skin, and organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart and lungs.
“It’s often a mimicker disease, masquerading as other illnesses,” explains Dr. Juan Javier Lichauco, past president of the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA). “This explains why lupus is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms vary.”
“As Mel mentioned earlier, lupus affects the way you work, study, and your relationship with your friends and family,” adds lupus patient Marilyn Mana-ay Robles, president of the Lupus Foundation of the Philippines. “There’s fatigue, pain and fear because you know something inside your body is not working. But contrary to popular belief, lupus patients don’t die easily: they suffer.”
According to PRA president Dr. Auxencio Lorenz Lucero Jr., diagnosing lupus is notoriously complex due to its broad and overlapping symptoms.
“We don’t rely on just one text. Lupus can mimic many diseases. Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms and lab tests — joint pain, rashes, blood tests — and if the kidneys are involved, a biopsy may be needed.”
Progress through collaboration and innovation
In celebration of World Lupus Day, AstraZeneca Philippines held “Transforming Lupus Care,” a roundtable discussion that brought together rheumatologists, patient advocates, researchers, and medical professionals to tackle the persistent challenges of lupus care in the country. It highlighted patient charter as a crucial framework to ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate care, and improved quality of life for those affected by the disease.
“Today, lupus is no longer a death sentence. With proper care, patients can live full, productive lives,” notes Dr. Cyril Joseph Tolosa, medical affairs director, AstraZeneca Philippines. “Our bold ambition is to bring new transformational therapies for multiple immune-mediated diseases, including lupus. We want to move beyond symptom control — our goal is remission, and eventually, a cure.”
“We are hopeful that these conversations will help push for a national lupus bill. Patients need government support — access to medicines, disability benefits, and data tracking. A law can institutionalize that,” Mel stresses.
Making Lupus visible together
Living with lupus is not easy — but no Filipino patient should have to face it alone. With stronger partnerships among doctors, patient advocates, and health leaders, there’s growing momentum towards better care, deeper understanding, and lasting change.
Let’s move beyond awareness — let’s demand early diagnosis, accessible care, and long-term support for all Filipinos living with lupus.
“Together, we can turn visibility into action — and action into hope,” Dr. Tolosa adds.
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For information about SLE, visit AstraZeneca’s website.
