Sarcoidosis
Treatments
Sarcoidosis is treated at the UCSF Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program. World-renowned lung specialists, chest radiologists and pathologists work together as a team to design the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition.
The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown at this time. Therefore, there is no specific treatment to cure the condition. Fortunately, in many cases, sarcoidosis does not require treatment because the nodules gradually resolve on their own and leave behind few, if any, signs of inflammation or other complications.
However, treatment is necessary in some cases. Medications are available that effectively suppress symptoms and help reduce lung inflammation, the impact of nodules and prevent the development of lung fibrosis. These include the following medications.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, usually prednisone, are particularly effective in reducing inflammation, and are typically the first drugs used in the treatment of sarcoidosis. In patients with mild symptoms, such as skin lesions, eye inflammation, or cough, topical steroid therapy with creams, eye-drops or inhalers may be sufficient to control the disease. When necessary, oral steroids are generally prescribed for six to twelve months. In most cases, a relatively high dose is prescribed at first, followed by a slow taper to the lowest effective dose.
Symptoms, especially cough and shortness of breath, generally improve with steroid therapy. Relapses may occur after treatment with steroids has ended, but typically respond to repeated steroid treatment. Patients who improve and remain stable for more than year after the end of treatment have a low rate of relapse.
Researchers continue to examine the role of steroids in the treatment of sarcoidosis, with some addressing the question of what effect they may have on the long-term course of the disease. However, in general, steroid therapy remains the leading treatment for sarcoidosis.
Other Medications
Alternative medications are used in patients who cannot tolerate steroids, do not respond to steroids or wish to lower the dose of steroids. These include:
- Methotrexate This medication reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
- Cyclophosphamide This medication is commonly used in conjunction with steroids in patients whose condition is worsening despite treatment.
- Antimalarial Medications (Hydroxychloroquine) These medications are used to treat sarcoidosis of the skin and lungs.
- Colchicine This medication is most communly used to treat gout and is sometimes prescribed to treat sarcoidosis-related arthritis.
A number of other medications are currently being investigated for the treatment of sarcoidosis.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
