Current and emerging pharmacological treatments for sarcoidosis: a review

Drug Des Devel Ther. 2013 Apr 12:7:325-38. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S31064. Print 2013.

Abstract

The treatment of sarcoidosis is not standardized. Because sarcoidosis may never cause significant symptoms or organ dysfunction, treatment is not mandatory. When treatment is indicated, oral corticosteroids are usually recommended because they are highly likely to be effective in a relative short period of time. However, because sarcoidosis is often a chronic condition, long-term treatment with corticosteroids may cause significant toxicity. Therefore, corticosteroid sparing agents are often indicated in patients requiring chronic therapy. This review outlines the indications for treatment, corticosteroid treatment, and corticosteroid sparing treatments for sarcoidosis.

Keywords: corticosteroids; drugs; extrapulmonary sarcoidosis; pulmonary sarcoidosis; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis / physiopathology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids