Connective tissue is the "cellular glue" that holds the body together. It is between the cells giving tissues form and strength. It also helps deliver nutrients and is involved in special tissue functions. Connective tissue is constructed of dozens of proteins including collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. If any of the genes that encode these proteins have defects or mutations, the result may be a susceptibility to a connective tissue disorder. It is currently believed that patients need such genetic risk(s) plus interaction with one or more environmental factors to trigger a heritable connective tissue disorder.
Since dermatomyositis and polymyositis are similar in signs, symptoms, and treatment, both conditions are often mentioned together. Both dermatomyositis and polymyositis are categorized in the family of inflammatory muscle diseases. Dermatomyositis is characterized by muscle weakness and a patchy, bluish-purple rash on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, and back. The most common symptom of polymyositis is gradual onset of muscle weakness that may begin in the trunk muscles and progress to more distant body muscles.
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Azathioprine, Chloroquine, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Diltiazem, Hydroxychloroquine, Immune Globulin IV, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate mofetil, Tacrolimus
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a rare autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation of arteries and can therefore affect any part of the body, but the muscles, joints, intestines, bowels, nerves, kidneys, and skin are most commonly involved. Damaged function of any of these organs can be uncomfortable, but impaired blood supply to the bowel can be painful and life threatening when arteries supplying the intestines die (necrotize). The underlying immunological cause of the disease or what causes the subsequent vascular injuries remains poorly understood.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Cyclophosphamide, Famciclovir, Interferon Alfa-2b, Methotrexate, Prednisone
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle aching and stiffness, especially in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs, and hips. Symptoms usually start over a period of several days or weeks, and occasionally even over night, are worse in the morning and after staying in one position for long periods, especially after sleep. Morning stiffness after sleep can be so severe that getting dressed can be painful. But, most importantly, patients should report any severe headaches to their doctor immediately in case they are converting to temporal arteritis (see below).
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Methotrexate, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Simvastatin
Off-Label Prescription Drug Breakthrough Option: Prednisone
Scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder, occurs in two variations, each with its own subtypes. Localized scleroderma (linear and morphea) affects the skin or possibly underlying muscles and bones, but does not affect internal organs and is relatively mild. Systemic scleroderma (limited, and diffuse), also known as systemic sclerosis (SSc) may affect the skin, blood vessels, and/or internal organs. When it affects the internal organs, it may cause disability or even death.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Cyclofenil, Epoprostenol
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Colchicine, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Penicillamine, Thalidomide
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body. The most common symptoms are fatigue, skin rashes (varying from a marked facial blush to a butterfly shaped blush across the face), and arthritis (usually in the same joints on both sides of the body, often accompanied by a low fever). Symptoms wax (called flares) and wane over time.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Aspirin, Betamethasone, Soma, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydroxychloroquine, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone, Triamcinolone
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Azathioprine, Bromocriptine, Chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Rituximab, Thalidomide
Temporal arteritis (TA), also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory disease of the arteries (blood vessels) in the scalp and head, especially right around the temples. Some people who have TA also have symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Five to 15% of those with PMR at some point are diagnosed with TA. Both diseases may occur together, separately, or one following the other. Treatment is similar, but the threat in temporal arteritis is vision loss without rapid treatment.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Infliximab
Off-Label Prescription Drug Breakthrough Option: Methotrexate
Please enter a search term to begin your search.