Can polymyositis be reversed?
Can polymyositis be reversed?
Polymyositis (PM) is a highly treatable disease. Some people recover completely, while others experience greatly diminished symptoms for long periods of time. Several years of treatment to suppress the immune system may be necessary to achieve these results.
How long will polymyositis last?
They ease inflammation in the body. Symptoms usually get better within 4 to 6 weeks. Your healthcare provider may lower the dose of steroids after that to ease side effects. Some people may need to take steroids ongoing to manage the disease and reduce symptoms.
What kind of Medicine is used for polymyositis?
The first drug used in the treatment of PM is usually a corticosteroid, such as prednisone. The treatment may involve high-dose oral prednisone on a daily, every other day, or other schedule; or intermittent, short courses of intravenous corticosteroids.
Is it safe to take prednisone for polymyositis?
Drugs such as prednisone can be very effective in controlling polymyositis symptoms. But prolonged use of these drugs can have serious and wide-ranging side effects, which is why your doctor may gradually taper the dose of medication down to lower levels. Corticosteroid-sparing agents.
How is polymyositis related to an autoimmune disease?
The exact cause of polymyositis is unknown. The disease shares many characteristics with autoimmune disorders, which occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. In some cases, the disease may be associated with viral infections , connective tissue disorders, or an increased risk for malignancies ( cancer ).
How often should IVIG be given for polymyositis?
Given as an infusion through a vein, IVIg treatments may need to be repeated regularly for the effects to continue. Living with a chronic autoimmune disease can make you wonder at times whether you’re up to the challenge.
Is there a cure or treatment for polymyositis?
While there is no cure for polymyositis, treatment — ranging from medications to physical therapy — can improve your muscle strength and function. The muscle weakness associated with polymyositis involves the muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in your hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.
What kind of muscle disease is polymyositis?
Polymyositis is a type of inflammatory myopathy, which refers to a group of muscle diseases characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. The muscles affected by polymyositis are the skeletal muscles (those involved with making movements) on both sides of the body.
How are intravenous immunoglobulins used to treat polymyositis?
This treatment — known as intravenous immunoglobulins, or IVIg, may seem strange in a disease that’s probably caused by an immune response in the first place, but the extra antibodies seem to “confuse” the immune system and at least temporarily alleviate the attack on muscle.
Which is the best corticosteroid for polymyositis?
When used in combination with a corticosteroid, these drugs can decrease the dose and potential side effects of the corticosteroid. The two most common medications used for polymyositis are azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and methotrexate (Trexall).