Let me suggest the book "The New Arthritis Breakthrough" by Henry Scammell using what is called the "Dr. Brown protocol". You can Google it for arthritis and lupus. It may be possible to take a generic version of the medication. It's not yet mainstream for arthritis, but some doctors do prescribe it, and it can be an effective treatment for some. It can help with symptoms. Not sure about lupus, but it does mention that it may help with that as well in some instances. Not sure in this case, of course, and check with a doctor, but it is worth looking into. There are supplements as well, for arthritis, and again, I can't speak for the lupus, but the book will, I believe. Just offering this in case it helps, and there may be some less expensive generic medications, as well as supplements. Only certain doctors will prescribe it, as it has not yet widely caught on yet.