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Treatments for Wegeners disease
INFORMATIVE 
Tags: Wegener's granulomatosis, vasculitis, rheumatology, treatments
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) which is an anti-cancer drug, and corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are used to treat Wegeners disease. These are powerful drugs that suppress the immune system.
| | Initial treatment is generally with corticosteroids and oral cyclophosphamide (CYC), 1 mg/kg/day and 2 mg/kg/day respectively. Occasionally CYC is given in monthly IV doses. |
| | Monitoring of the white blood count is essential during CYC therapy. Once remission is attained (normally 3 to 6 months), treatment is frequently changed to azathioprine or methotrexate, which are less toxic drugs. |
| | Total duration of therapy should be at least 1 year, or longer in high risk patients. Corticosteroids are tapered to a low maintenance dose, 5-10 mg/day. Plasmapheresis may be beneficial in severe disease or pulmonary hemorrhage. |
| | Alternative treatments include: |
| | Rituximab: a very promising drug currently in clinical trials. It has been successful when used several times as a compassionate treatment for those who cannot tolerate CYC. |
| | Chlorambucil: a powerful immunosuppressant that has been used instead of cyclophosphamide in some cases. |
| | Mycophenolate mofetil: a drug similar to azathioprine. |
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BobbysWorld
Source:
Compiled by LAL Editor
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