Steroids are very important medications for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s available in tablets, injections, and liquid form. They aid in lowering the amount of inflammation which leads to joint pains, swelling, early morning stiffness, and limitation of joint movements also aid in the regulation of your autoimmune system, which aids in the suppression of flare-ups.
In the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) low-dose of oral steroids may be administered in addition to (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) DMARDs or other medications. This is due to the fact that DMARDs take some weeks to produce benefits. Steroids, on the other hand, work swiftly, and you’ll notice a difference in a matter of days. Steroids are occasionally referred to as “bridge therapy.” Steroids are recommended by all international groups in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Steroids can also be given in injectable forms as and when needed. It is critical to taper down the steroids once other medications have proven to be beneficial. Slow Withdrawal aids in the prevention of withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take or stop steroids on your own. Your Rheumatologist is trained on how to handle steroids.
Dr. Ashish K Badika has 3 years of advanced training in Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology including 2 years Post Doctoral.
He has extensive exposure to Systemic Autoimmune Disorder (Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Seronegative spondyloarthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Scleroderma, Gout, Myositis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Vasculitic conditions, and Paediatric rheumatology disorders).