Which medication is commonly used in treating polymyalgia rheumatica?

Which medication is commonly used in treating polymyalgia rheumatica?

• A. High-dose corticosteroids only
• B. Low-dose corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and methotrexate
• C. DMARDs like hydroxychloroquine only
• D. Biologic agents as first-line

Answer: (B)

Polymyalgia rheumatica is treated by rapidly reducing inflammation with low-dose glucocorticoids. This approach usually provides quick relief of stiffness and pain. NSAIDs can be used for additional symptomatic relief, but they don’t control the underlying inflammatory process. In some patients, especially those who relapse or need to lower steroid exposure, adding methotrexate helps maintain remission and reduces the required steroid dose. That combination—low-dose corticosteroids with NSAIDs and methotrexate—fits the standard, effective strategy for PMR. High-dose corticosteroids are not the typical first-line approach for PMR, since the goal is rapid control with the lowest effective dose. Hydroxychloroquine or other DMARDs alone don’t adequately treat PMR, and biologic agents are not used as first-line therapy.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is treated by rapidly reducing inflammation with low-dose glucocorticoids. This approach usually provides quick relief of stiffness and pain. NSAIDs can be used for additional symptomatic relief, but they don’t control the underlying inflammatory process. In some patients, especially those who relapse or need to lower steroid exposure, adding methotrexate helps maintain remission and reduces the required steroid dose. That combination—low-dose corticosteroids with NSAIDs and methotrexate—fits the standard, effective strategy for PMR.

High-dose corticosteroids are not the typical first-line approach for PMR, since the goal is rapid control with the lowest effective dose. Hydroxychloroquine or other DMARDs alone don’t adequately treat PMR, and biologic agents are not used as first-line therapy.