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Treatment Options for Scleroderma
Systemic Scleroderma
- Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, have been used to treat complications of systemic scleroderma including pulmonary fibrosis, itchy skin, and joint pain. These drugs should be used cautiously because they are associated with potentially serious side-effects including precipitating scleroderma renal crisis.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) may be prescribed to control hypertension, prevent damage to the kidneys, and improve circulation in scleroderma renal crisis. Examples of ACE inhibitors that may be used include:
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Lisinipril (Prinivil)
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Ramipril (Altace)
- Moexipril (Univasc)
- Trandolapril (Mavik)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
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