What medication is used to treat polymyalgia rheumatica and prevent associated complications?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects older adults, causing muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is glucocorticoids, which are steroids that help reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica.

The use of glucocorticoids is effective in rapidly decreasing the inflammatory response, leading to significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life for patients. They are typically initiated at a low dose, and many patients respond well to treatment, often experiencing relief within days. This rapid response is crucial in managing the condition and preventing complications, such as the development of giant cell arteritis, which can occur in some patients with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Other medications listed, such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and azathioprine, are immunosuppressants or chemotherapeutic agents that may be used in other autoimmune conditions but are not first-line treatments for polymyalgia rheumatica. These medications might be considered in cases where glucocorticoids are ineffective or if there are significant side effects from long-term steroid use; however, they are not used primarily to treat this condition. Therefore