Following treatment, these factors are critical in judging whether the disease is active or in remission. However, this blood test does not, by itself, prove the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis or determine disease activity. Sometimes the lungs may become abnormal even though there are no symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath. Because Wegener's granulomatosis is often a life-threatening disease, it is treated with a variety of powerful medications that have been shown to be lifesaving. Treatment usually includes corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, and chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide or methotrexate.
Improvement usually occurs within days to weeks.
When the disease is in remission, patients will reduce the dosage of these medications, but will continue treatment until the disease has been in continuous remission for one year. Because the treatment drugs suppress the immune system, there is an increased risk of developing serious infections. Prednisone can also cause weight gain, cataracts, brittle bones, high blood pressure, diabetes, and changes in mood and personality. Cyclophosphamide can cause sterility, bladder irritation and bleeding, and even cancer of the bladder. Methotrexate can cause liver irritation.