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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Prescribe for vasculitis.)The potential side effects that are included aren’t intended to be complete. It’s best to review your medication treatment plan carefully with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to understand possible risks specific to your situation.PrednisonePrednisone is a corticosteroid (glucocorticoid) that has proven effective in quickly treating inflammation from vasculitis.Treatment details: Prednisone can be taken as a pill or injected as a shot, typically in the morning. The type and severity of your vasculitis will determine your initial dosage. Over time, dosage levels are usually reduced.Potential side effects: Increased infection risk is the No. 1 concern with prednisone. Other potential side effects include:Increased blood sugar (diabetes).Increased blood pressure.Loss of bone density (osteoporosis).Easy bruising and poor healing.Mood swings.Insomnia.Prednisone is also associated with increased appetite and weight gain. People taking prednisone may notice a change in appearance related to the redistribution of normal fat cells in the face and trunk. This usually improves as the dosage is lowered.RituximabRituximab is a DMARD approved for use in the treatment of two forms of vasculitis — granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA or Wegener’s) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).Treatment details: Rituximab is delivered by vein in an infusion center or hospital. The process typically takes four to six hours, though it can run longer. The dosage and frequency of rituximab treatment varies based on several different factors.Potential side effects: Reactions such as rashes and sores of the skin and mouth sometimes follow a rituximab infusion. There’s also a risk of a rare brain virus infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).AvacopanThis relative newcomer to vasculitis treatment gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. Avacopan is used to treat GPA and MPA, two types of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis.Taking avacopan can help reduce the amount of steroids a patient requires.Treatment details: Avacopan comes in a tablet and is typically taken twice daily with food. (The dosage may be reduced if you’re taking other medication.) The capsules shouldn’t be crushed, chewed or opened.Potential side effects: The most common reactions to avacopan during trials included nausea, headache and elevated blood pressure. Liver damage has been
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