Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Medication

Updated: Jan 12, 2021
  • Author: William E Monaco, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

[8] Aside from discontinuing offending medication(s), no standard of care exists for eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). For early manifestations of EMS, treatment is directed symptomatically and can include analgesics, vitamins, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

Prednisone is commonly prescribed for the acute inflammatory phase. However, most published articles conclude that treatment with corticosteroids is not beneficial in reducing the severity or duration of the acute symptoms. Long-term steroid treatment has no role.

Chronic symptoms such as muscle pain, spasm, weakness, neuropathy, and skin disease are treated symptomatically.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

Prednisone (Sterapred)

Results in prompt resolution of eosinophilia. Subjective improvement noted in symptoms of dyspnea, myalgia, and edema in most patients.

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