Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Giant cell arteritis
Inflammation of medium and large arteries, especially around the head, that can threaten sight — a medical urgency treated promptly with steroids.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Giant cell arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis) is a condition in which medium and large arteries become inflamed, most importantly those around the head and scalp. It mainly affects people over 50 and is more common in women.
- How it is treated: Because of the risk to sight, treatment with steroids is usually started promptly, often before all tests are complete, when giant cell arteritis is strongly suspected — early treatment can prevent visual loss.
- Self-care: Taking steroids exactly as prescribed and never stopping them suddenly, attending monitoring, and managing steroid-related risks (bone, blood sugar, blood pressure) with medical guidance are key.
- When to seek help: Seek urgent same-day medical help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, or jaw pain on chewing in someone over 50.
What it is
Giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis) is a condition in which medium and large arteries become inflamed, most importantly those around the head and scalp. It mainly affects people over 50 and is more common in women. Typical symptoms include a new, often severe headache (frequently around the temples), tenderness of the scalp (for example when brushing hair), jaw pain or aching when chewing, and general symptoms such as tiredness, fever and weight loss. It is closely linked to polymyalgia rheumatica. The most serious risk is that the inflammation can affect the blood supply to the eye and cause sudden, permanent loss of vision — which is why it is treated as a medical urgency and steroids are started quickly when it is suspected.
How it is treated
Because of the risk to sight, treatment with steroids is usually started promptly, often before all tests are complete, when giant cell arteritis is strongly suspected — early treatment can prevent visual loss. The diagnosis is supported by blood tests showing inflammation and confirmed where possible by a scan or a small biopsy of a scalp artery, done without delaying treatment. Steroids are then gradually reduced over many months to a couple of years, guided by symptoms and blood tests, and additional medicines may be used to reduce the steroid dose needed and manage the condition. The side effects of long-term steroids (such as on bones and blood sugar) are monitored and managed. Care is guided by a rheumatologist.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Giant cell arteritis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Taking steroids exactly as prescribed and never stopping them suddenly, attending monitoring, and managing steroid-related risks (bone, blood sugar, blood pressure) with medical guidance are key. Reporting any visual symptoms immediately is vital.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent same-day medical help for a new severe headache, scalp tenderness, or jaw pain on chewing in someone over 50. Any sudden loss or disturbance of vision is an emergency — call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Giant cell arteritis: frequently asked questions
Why is giant cell arteritis an emergency?
Because the inflammation can affect the blood supply to the eye and cause sudden, permanent vision loss. Prompt treatment with steroids, started when it is suspected, can prevent this.
How long is treatment for giant cell arteritis?
Steroids are usually needed for many months to a couple of years, gradually reduced under guidance. Additional medicines may help lower the steroid dose. Monitoring manages both the condition and steroid side effects.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis)
- British Society for Rheumatology guidance
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