Dermatomyositis medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but the symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for dermatomyositis is a corticosteroid drug given either in pill form or intravenously.
Medical Therapy
Immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine and methotrexate, may reduce inflammation in people who do not respond well to prednisone.
Periodic treatment using intravenous immunoglobulin can also improve recovery. Other immunosuppressive agents used to treat the inflammation associated with dermatomyositis include cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, and tacrolimus.
Physical therapy is usually recommended to prevent muscle atrophy and to regain muscle strength and range of motion. Many individuals with dermatomyositis may need a topical ointment, such as topical corticosteroids, for their skin disorder. They should wear a high-protection sunscreen and protective clothing.
Following is a list of medications that are used in dermatomyositis.
- Prednisolone
- Methotrexate
- Mycophenolate (CellCept / Myfortic)
- Intravenous immunoglobulin
- Azathioprine
- Cyclophosphamide
- Rituximab[1]
References
- ↑ Scheinfeld N (2006). "A review of rituximab in cutaneous medicine". Dermatol. Online J. 12 (1): 3. PMID 16638371.