The goals of treatment include:
- Relieving symptoms
- Improving organ function
- Controlling inflammation and reducing the size of granulomas (inflamed lumps)
- Preventing pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) if the lungs are affected
Medications may include:
- Prednisone, a type of steroid, is the main treatment for sarcoidosis. This medicine reduces inflammation. In most people, prednisone relieves symptoms within a couple of months
- Other medicines, may include Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine (known as antimalarial medicines). These medicines work best for treating sarcoidosis that affects the skin
- Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, or leflunomide. These medicines work best for treating sarcoidosis that affects your lungs, eyes, skin, or joints
- Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs such as infliximab, originally developed to treat arthritis, are being studied to treat sarcoidosis