If your myositis is under good control, your doctor may eventually be able to take you off prednisone completely, at least for a time. Immunosuppressants You may not respond to prednisone therapy alone. Your doctor may then prescribe both prednisone and a drug that suppresses the immune system. Such drugs are called immunosuppressants, and the most common ones used in myositis are methotrexate and azathioprine. Immunosuppressants slow down the immune system, reducing its ability to attack infections and attack healthy tissue in persons with autoimmune disease.
Immunosuppressant drugs are powerful agents and can result in side effects.
If you are taking these medications, see your doctor regularly so that he or she can check for any side effects and decrease the dosage of medicine if necessary. Your doctor may request ongoing consultation with a rheumatologist when your treatment includes the use of immunosuppressant drugs. Women on methotrexate must go off their medication during pregnancy and for several months prior to a planned pregnancy'. Methotrexate should not be taken by people who have serious kidney or liver disease or who drink alcohol. A physical therapy or exercise program is an important part of treating myositis and can help improve muscle strength.