The Future of Lupus Treatment with Dr. Megan Clowse: What You Need to Know Now

In this special Lupus Awareness Month episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Megan Clowse—one of the leading rheumatologists in the lupus space and a fierce advocate for women’s health.

We’re talking real talk about what it actually looks like to live with lupus, manage all the meds, advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office, and make informed decisions—especially around pregnancy.

Dr. Clowse breaks down the latest updates from the PHOENYCS GO trial (a major study on a new lupus treatment called dapirolizumab pegol), and why simplifying care is long overdue for lupus warriors.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, considering pregnancy, or just tired of feeling like no one gets it—this episode is packed with clarity, validation, and next steps you can take.

💜 What We Talk About:

• The biggest struggles lupus warriors face in the healthcare system

• Why medication overload is real—and what’s being done about it

• The latest lupus treatment study (and what it means for us)

• How to plan for pregnancy with lupus, not around it

• Why your voice matters in your care plan

Dr. Clowse is a Duke-based rheumatologist who’s cared for over 1,000 pregnancies in women with lupus. She founded the Duke Lupus Clinic, created LupusPregnancy.org, and currently leads research on improving lupus care—most recently through her work on the PHOENYCS GO trial with Biogen and UCB.

📲 Find Her Work:

• 💻 LupusPregnancy.org

• 📊 ReproRheum.Duke.edu

• 🏥 Duke Lupus Clinic

  
  

🎧 Tap in and let this episode remind you—you are not alone, and better care is possible.
💬 DM me your thoughts after listening or tag me @lupusspeaks or @planwithdrica to keep the conversation going.