A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in treating arthritis, autoimmune diseases, joint pain and osteoporosis. There are hundreds of types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain, tendinitis and gout. In treating patients, a rheumatologist can educate patients on surgical treatment options, bone density testing, ankylosing spondylitis, back pain, sports injuries, arthritis nutrition, arthritis bracing, vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile arthritis.
Leflunomide is a medication that is commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of inflammatory arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis. Leflunomide comes in a 10 milligram or a 20 milligram pill. Your rheumatologist may start you at a lower dose of around 10 milligrams a day, and if you tolerate it well, he or she may increase your dosage to 20 milligrams a day.
Prednisone is a prescription steroid medication that is used to treat inflammation in the joints, skin, muscles, lungs and kidneys. Prednisone comes in a 1 milligram, 5 milligram or 50 milligram tablet.
Side Effects of Prednisone
Prednisone has a number of side effects. Common side effects include irritability, agitation and poor sleep. Patients may be able to manage less severe side effects with sleep or anti-anxiety medications. The more serious side effects of prednisone tend to be with long-term use. Long-term side effects of prednisone include: