Which steroid sparing therapies are used in Giant Cell Arteritis?
Methotrexate has long been used as a steroid-sparing therapy in GCA, although evidence supporting its use is mixed with regard to its effectiveness. Nonetheless, methotrexate is utilized in patients with significant steroid-related side effects, diabetes, or a relapsing course with prolonged need for steroids. Based on randomized clinical trial data ( GiACTA ), tocilizumab was recently granted a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication for GCA treatment (the only medication with such an indication).