Glucocorticoids

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed the reassessment of cotherapy with steroid preparations and antirheumatic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, in addition to desirable anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, the pharmacological spectrum of glucocorticoids includes diverse activities which may result in numerous adverse reactions. Antirheumatic therapy therefore requires strict adherence to the prescribed indications and careful selection of the specific drug type and dosage regimen. Based on the patient's response, dose reduction or withdrawal of any steroid preparations should be attempted. Although antirheumatic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are the mainstay treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, steroid therapy is usually employed when these drugs are not sufficiently effective.