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Corticosteroids for Lupus
How Well It Works
Corticosteroids often dramatically improve many symptoms of lupus. Some conditions respond in as little as a few days, while others may take several weeks of corticosteroid therapy.Reference 1
The effects of corticosteroids can include:
- Decreased pain in joints and muscles.
- Decreased pain and inflammation from skin rashes.
- Decreased inflammation in blood vessels and in the tissues surrounding the heart and lungs.
- Decreased central nervous system symptoms, such as severe headaches and confusion.
Corticosteroids are often combined with other drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide with or without azathioprine.
Corticosteroids are prescribed and monitored carefully because they cause significant side effects.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 10, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology |
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