Keep this drug out of reach of small children. An overdose of this medication can be fatal. Corticosteroids Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat JRA, especially the systemic form, when it is very severe and has not responded to other drugs. Corticosteroids used to treat JRA include prednisone and cortisone. These drugs contain cortisone and are not related to the synthetic male-hormone steroids some athletes use.
Corticosteroids work swiftly and effectively.
However, because of their side effects, they are used with caution. If corticosteroid drugs are prescribed, the lowest possible dose will be used for the shortest length of time. Usually, the drug is taken by mouth as a pill or liquid, or it can be given intravenously directly into a vein. It can also be given as an injection into the joint itself, or into a muscle or vein. Other types of steroids include eye drops used to treat iridocyclitis and steroid creams for skin problems.