Steroids

Steroids (also called corticosteroids) are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that quickly and effectively reduce swelling in joints.

While they are not suitable for long-term treatment of JIA, they frequently are used (often in combination with other types of drugs) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Steroids can be given in different ways:

• By local injection: Local injections of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide are the most common form of steroid treatment for children with JIA. This is a very safe and effective way of treating inflamed joints. Depending on your child’s age and the number of joints being treated, these injections can be done under local or general anaesthetic.

  WWCIH VIDEO: JOINT INJECTIONS

• By mouth: Prednisolone can be given in tablet or liquid form by mouth. This is most commonly used at the start of treatment or during a flare to settle things down. 
•  By infusion into a vein: Infusions of steroid (Methylprednisolone) are also used to settle things down quickly if your child is unwell or has many inflamed joints.