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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no cure for mixed connective tissue disease, but medication can help manage the signs and symptoms of the disease. Mild forms of mixed connective tissue disease may not require treatment. You may require treatment only during flares or, if you have a more serious form of the disease, you may require continuous medication.
Medication
The type of medication prescribed depends on the severity of your disease and the symptoms you have. Medications may include:
- Corticosteroids. These are the most common treatment for moderate mixed connective tissue disease. Corticosteroids such as prednisone help control your immune function, keeping it from attacking healthy cells, and suppress inflammation. However, corticosteroids carry significant risk, especially if you take high doses or continue taking them over time, such as mood swings, weight gain, high blood sugar, increased blood pressure and cataracts.
- NSAIDS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stronger versions of these NSAIDs and others are available by prescription. Oral NSAIDs can cause stomach upset, so some prescription NSAIDs come in a patch that you affix to your skin or in a gel form that you can rub on the painful joint. Other NSAID side effects include ringing in your ears, cardiovascular problems, and liver and kidney damage. The risk of major side effects is greatest if you use NSAIDs at high dosages for long-term treatment.
- Other immunosuppressants. Other treatments may be based on your signs and symptoms. For instance, if the symptoms you're experiencing are similar to those of lupus, your doctor may suggest trying medications typically prescribed for people with lupus.
- Bennett RM. Clinical manifestations of mixed connective tissue disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec04/ch032/ch032c.html. Accessed Dec. 25, 2009.
- Hoffman RW, et al. Immune pathogenesis of mixed connective tissue disease: A short analytical review. Clinical Immunology. 2008;128:8.
- Bennett RM. Definition and diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
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