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 and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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 polymyalgia 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 and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs), such as aspirin and
ibuprofen, also may be used for polymyalgia rheumatica treatment. 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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