Overall, treating JM aims to treat an overactive immune system. Ways to treat an inappropriately overactive immune system include the following: immunosuppression, or reducing the activity of the immune system, which comes with a risk of infection, and immunomodulation, or reducing the activity of the immune system. Medications for initial treatment or induction include steroids, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, IVIG, exercise, and sun protection.
In this presentation, Drs. Curran and Kim explain second-line medications that should be considered after the initial treatment period with induction of treatments already discussed—either the patient cannot tolerate these medications or is still active.
Second-line treatments are sometimes considered alternatives, switching one out for another, and sometimes considered add-on therapy to eliminate the disease.
In this presentation, Dr. Curran and Dr. Kim explain second-line treatments and the side effects of each.
