Some Common Treatments
There are a whole host of different treatments for AOSD and Still’s Disease, so forgive us if we miss something here.
Steroids are often used in differing doses, usually Prednisolone tablets daily, and in more severe cases Methylprednisolone infusions.
Painkillers are also very commonly used to try to alleviate some of the joint pain, from NSAID – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxan through the whole range to Morphine based drugs.
Next come a whole host of medications known as immunosuppressants;
Methatrexate is usually the first one used either independently or combined with others. This is a once weekly tablet or injection given at varying doses.
Anti-TNF’S (Tumor necrosis factor antagonists) – such as Embrel (Etanercept) or Humira may be used too.
Anakinra (Kineret) one of the few medications specifically licensed for AOSD is another one to try – a daily injection.
Alternatively there are arrange of infusions available, ranging from Infliximab or Rituximab -through to the newest licensed – Tocilizumab an Infusion given every 2 – 4 weeks
This list is far from exhaustive, so if your treatment isn’t Listed, it’s our ommission that is at fault, so feel free to comment so we can add to the list.
Treatments aren’t all about medications – it’s also essential to have physiotherapy for exercises, occupational therapy for hand function help and also the right medical supports to protect the joints…
So with Still’s and AOSD, going to the hospital becomes part of the normal week, but on the plus side, being such a regular leads to some great friendships with staff and patients 
Prognosis
Research shows that sufferers of Adult Onset Still’s Disease will fit into one of four groups:
1) A small percentage of patients experience one acute episode and then go into complete remission.
2) Roughly a third (although this may be an inflated figure) of sufferers move into complete remission after a ten year time frame.
3) Approximately a third of sufferers will continue with the illness, but experience only infrequent flare ups and are almost completely managed by medication.
4) The remainder of the AOSD population continue to suffer with the illness indefinitely. For those that fit into the last group, the disease normally becomes harder to live with – not easier. The illness becomes less responsive to medication as the inflammation of the illness becomes greater than the suppressive force of the treatment.
