Common Medications, Treatment and Management
The list includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as lifestyle modifications and physical therapy. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that the appropriateness of any intervention should be determined on a case-by-case basis by a qualified healthcare professional.
We hope this list will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking a better understanding of the various treatment options available.
Please look at the complete resource of medications on the on the Foundation’s Treatment and Medications Page. Click the button below to go to the webpage.
Medication for skin involvement
Immunosuppressants are commonly prescribed medications for treating skin involvement in scleroderma. A few that are common are:
- Mycophenolate
- Cyclophosphamide
- Methotrexate
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
Medication for gastrointestinal symptoms
If you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn or acid reflux, please consult your physician to see a specialist. Here are a few medications commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal symptoms of scleroderma:
- Nintedanib
- Tocilizumab
Treatment for Esophageal Thickening
Esophageal dilation is meant to expand the esophagus and improve swallowing ability if you experience esophageal thickening.
Medication for Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Blood pressure medication is commonly used to treat Raynaud’s as it helps open constricted blood vessels and restore circulation.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for Raynaud’s Phenomenon—This medication is used to assist with restoring blood flow in more severe cases of Raynaud’s and if the fingers are experiencing ulcerations.
Medication for pain
Pain is something one can experience when living with scleroderma. Ask your physician about options to assist with managing the pain.
Stem cell transplant
Discover how a stem cell transplant placed Glen Copeland’s scleroderma in remission through his inspiring story. Watch the video below.
This is primarily used in early, aggressive disease. Many patients referred for transplant have had the disease for decades, but stem cell transplant is likely inappropriate.
Glen and Elizabeth Copeland, Patient Partners
Glen shares his stem cell transplant story.
Alternatives to Pain Medication
Learning to stop or calm the fight or flight response is one of the most effective tools for managing pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. If you can calm yourself through relaxation strategies, you can also calm your nervous system, reduce your stress, and give yourself a chance to find different ways to cope with your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Relaxation is a very useful tool for you in managing several common scleroderma symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep, stress, and depressed mood. Relaxation is helpful for pain because it:
- Helps decrease the muscle tension that occurs when feeling pain. Tense muscles make the pain worse. Your body naturally protects itself by tensing muscles around an area that hurts or needs protection. When your muscles are tight for too long, your pain may increase.
- Counteracts the adverse effects of stress on pain by reducing the “fight-or-flight” response.
- Benefits the brain areas involved in sensing and reducing pain.
Positive thinking
How you think and feel about things is important to managing your pain. Positive thinking leads to actions that help people have a better sense of well-being over time. There is evidence that positive thinking can block pain signals in the brain to reduce the pain response.
We highly recommend “The Chronic Pain Reset” book as an effective tool to evaluate pain triggers and improve them with fun and practical strategies.
Using the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, this book will lead you through one new evidence-based strategy each day for 30 days, from paced breathing and healthy sleep hacks to mindful walking and acts of kindness.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list; available and recommended medications are subject to change.
The Scleroderma Toolkit was put together by a team at the University of Michigan’s Telehealth and Rehabilitation Advancing Chronic Condition Research (TRACC-R) Center. The Foundation is grateful to the University of Michigan for sharing this material with the scleroderma community. The Scleroderma Toolkit with funding from the Rheumatology Research Foundation (Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication).
Disclaimer: The National Scleroderma Foundation in no way endorses any drugs, treatments, clinical trials or studies referenced in this toolkit. Information is provided to keep the community informed. Because the manifestations and severity of scleroderma vary among individuals, personalized medical management is essential. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that all drugs and treatments be discussed with your healthcare provider team for proper evaluation and treatment.
The Scleroderma Toolkit
Discover helpful tools that can help you navigate the scleroderma journey with confidence.