Arthritis drugs: Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are some of the oldest, most effective and fastest-working drugs for many forms of arthritis. When used properly and sparingly, corticosteroids have the power to spare joints, eyes and internal organs from damaging inflammation. In some cases, they even save lives. Unfortunately, they also have the potential to do great harm by causing brittle bones, cataracts and elevated blood sugar – particularly if they are taken in high doses or for long periods of time.
To maximize benefits and minimize side effects, doctors prescribe corticosteroids in doses as low as possible and for as short of a time as possible to get the job done. Dosages vary widely and are based on your disease and the goals of treatment. For example, low doses – 10 mg of prednisone or less – may be sufficient for the joint inflammation associated with RA, whereas much higher doses would be needed to control lupus-related kidney inflammation.
If a flare is particularly severe or inflammation threatens organs, doctors may raise the dose. However, the ever-present goal is to keep dosages low or to taper them as soon as possible after a dosage increase.
By prescribing DMARDs along with corticosteroids, many doctors find they can keep dosages of corticosteroids low. In some cases, DMARDs or a BRM may eliminate the need for corticosteroids entirely.
Injections of corticosteroids directly into inflamed joints may help control inflammation limited to a few affected joints. This chart, however, lists corticosteroids given orally to treat widespread inflammation.
To maximize benefits and minimize side effects, doctors prescribe corticosteroids in doses as low as possible and for as short of a time as possible to get the job done. Dosages vary widely and are based on your disease and the goals of treatment. For example, low doses – 10 mg of prednisone or less – may be sufficient for the joint inflammation associated with RA, whereas much higher doses would be needed to control lupus-related kidney inflammation.
If a flare is particularly severe or inflammation threatens organs, doctors may raise the dose. However, the ever-present goal is to keep dosages low or to taper them as soon as possible after a dosage increase.
By prescribing DMARDs along with corticosteroids, many doctors find they can keep dosages of corticosteroids low. In some cases, DMARDs or a BRM may eliminate the need for corticosteroids entirely.
Injections of corticosteroids directly into inflamed joints may help control inflammation limited to a few affected joints. This chart, however, lists corticosteroids given orally to treat widespread inflammation.
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