There are many forms of treatment for myositis, but most include medications, exercise, physical therapy, and rest. The treatment will vary from person to person and will change over time in a single person. The specific therapy recommended by your doctor will depend upon the severity and type of problems, the presence of other medical conditions, and adverse reactions to previous therapy. The most effective drugs in treating myositis are corticosteroids. These drugs are related to hormones produced naturally in the body.
Corticosteroids are powerful and can have serious side effects.
Anyone taking corticosteroids should be aware of several precautions. During such therapy, the body slows or stops its own natural production of steroids. For this reason, any time the dose is to be lowered, your doctor will gradually reduce the level of steroids you are taking over a period of weeks or months. During this time, your body will gradually increase its own corticosteroid production. Do not ever decide on your own to stop or drastically reduce the amount of prednisone or other corticosteroid you are taking, even if you feel well.