Читать книгу Arthritis For Dummies - Barry Fox - Страница 77

Steroids, which are technically called corticosteroids or glucocorticoids and include the drugs prednisone, hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, are powerful weapons against inflammation. They work by suppressing the immune system, which brings about the inflammation seen in RA. Although often prescribed in pill form, steriods can also be injected into the RA-affected joints to relieve pain and swelling. While the relief can be dramatic, unfortunately it doesn’t last, and the long term side effects and consequences of chronic steroid use are numerous.

Steroids are “souped-up” versions of cortisone, the body’s natural immune suppressor. Because they act quickly to reduce inflammation and suppress flare-ups, they may be prescribed during early RA in addition to DMARDs and/or other medications which can take weeks or months to produce results. However the routine use of steroids to treat RA, even in early stages, is not recommended because of severe side effects. Steroids are typically reserved for severe cases and used for only short periods of time. Once the DMARDs or other drugs take effect, steroid therapy must be tapered off.

Side effects include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, increased blood glucose, cataracts, accelerated atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), weight gain, bruising and thinning of the skin, and a substantially increased risk of infections.

If you suddenly stop taking steroids, you may suffer from pain, swelling, critical illness, or even death due to adrenal crisis. Always taper off your use of these drugs.