EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-89980) pertaining to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the
1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and in the Registration Statements on Form S-3
(Nos. 333-101499, 333-31142, 333-43066, 333-55370 and 333-81432) of La Jolla
Pharmaceutical Company of our report dated February 14, 2003, with respect to
the financial statements of La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

                                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

                                                      ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 26, 2003