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.
Second-line medications that should be considered after the initial treatment period of treatments already discussed—either because the patient cannot tolerate these medications or the disease 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.
