Final answer:
GCA patients may receive additional treatments in addition to prednisone, such as immunosuppressive drugs and medications to manage related complications. It's important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
GCA stands for Giant Cell Arteritis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels. Prednisone is a commonly prescribed medication for GCA patients as it helps reduce inflammation. However, in addition to prednisone, GCA patients may also receive other treatments depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors.
One common additional treatment is the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate or tocilizumab. These drugs can help further control the inflammation and reduce the need for high doses of prednisone. Other medications, like aspirin and statins, may also be prescribed to manage related complications such as cardiovascular risks.
It is important for GCA patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, considering factors such as disease severity, potential side effects, and individual patient characteristics.