Juvenile dermatomyositis

It is a second-line immunomodulatory drug in JDM, as it has been shown to be inferior to MTX. It is often used in cases of Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS), a serious complication that can be present in various rheumatic diseases, due to a sustained inflammatory state. In JDM, the presence of MAS is rare.

The usual dose is 2 to 4 mg/kg body weight per day, increasing progressively depending on tolerance and drug levels in the blood.

As with MTX, periodic analytical controls are required, mainly blood counts, liver function and renal function. As with corticosteroid treatment, blood pressure should be checked periodically.