Proper vaccinations for flu and pneumovax are important, since the patient's immune system function is decreased while on immunosuppressive drugs. Although the treatment is basically the same for all patients, it will vary somewhat with increased symptoms and involvement of the disease. Maintaining a good relationship with your physician, carefully being instructed, understanding and following those instructions are most important. Close management, before and after remission, results in early detection of any changes, guaranteeing favorable results. It is clear that long-term remissions can be induced and maintained with medications and close management.
Effective therapy is predicated by early diagnosis.
During recent years, diagnosis of WG has been established early in the disease, giving the patient better results of treatment and remission. Today, however, long-term remissions can be induced and maintained in an extremely high number of patients. WG may flare as the dose of cyclophosphamide is reduced, but can usually be reversed by increasing the dose. However, many patients remain in remission after therapy has been stopped completely and are able to lead relatively normal lives.