The present invention is directed to a method of treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of an HIV protease inhibitor effective to treat SLE. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical product comprising an HIV protease inhibitor formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a package insert providing instructions for the administration of the HIV protease inhibitor for the treatment of SLE. In addition, the present invention is directed to the use of an HIV protease inhibitor for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of SLE.