Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment

The most common treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica is prednisone, a corticosteroid medication. This condition usually responds well to a low daily dose of prednisone. Aspirin and ibuprofen can also be used, but they are less effective. The amount of time that treatment is needed is different for each patient; most patients are able to discontinue medication after six months to two years.

Polymyalgia

An Introduction to Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment

Polymyalgia rheumatica usually disappears without treatment in one to several years. With polymyalgia treatment, however, symptoms disappear quickly, usually in 24 to 48 hours. If there is no improvement, the doctor is likely to consider other possible diagnoses.

Steroid Medicine

The polymyalgia treatment of choice is corticosteroid medication, usually prednisone. Polymyalgia rheumatica responds well to a low daily dose of prednisone. The dose is increased as needed until polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms disappear. Once symptoms disappear, the doctor may gradually reduce the dosage to determine the lowest amount needed to alleviate symptoms.

The amount of time that treatment is needed is different for each patient. Most patients can discontinue medication after six months to two years. If symptoms recur -- and this is a possibility -- prednisone treatment is required again.

Nonsteroidal Medicine

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also may be used for treating polymyalgia rheumatica. The medication must be taken daily. It is important to note that long-term use of these drugs can cause stomach irritation. For most patients, NSAIDs alone are not enough to relieve polymyalgia symptoms.

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