Behcet's Disease

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Treatment

There is no cure for Behcet's disease and the goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and to prevent complications. Patients who have the disorder often are treated by a number of different physicians (e.g., rheumatologist, urologist, gynecologist, ophthalmologist, dermatologist). Conservative treatment includes lifestyle modifications, such as rest and regular exercise.

Medications that may be used to treat the disorder depend on the symptoms and include oral (e.g., rinses, pills), topical (e.g., gels, creams, pastes), and injectable corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen), and pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen).

In severe cases, other medications (e.g., immunosuppressive drugs) may be used in addition to corticosteroids. Other types of medication include the following:

• Azathioprine (Imuran®)
• Chlorambucil (Leukeran®)
• Colchicine

• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)
• Cyclosporine (Restasis®)
• Entanercept (Enbrel®)
• Infliximab (Remicade®)
• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine ®)
• Thalidomide (Thalomid®)
• Warfarin (Coumadin®)

Prognosis

Behcet's disease is chronic (long-lasting) and serious complications can develop months or years following onset of the disorder. In most cases, symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment (e.g., medication, adequate rest).

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