Scleroderma is a disease that targets the connective tissue in the blood vessels, skin, muscles and internal organs, according to MedlinePlus. Scleroderma's typical symptoms include hair loss, skin hardness, a mask-like face, joint pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble urinating, constipation, wheezing and heartburn. Unfortunately, the cause for scleroderma is unknown, but there are various treatments available to manage this disease.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is an antimetabolite medication used to treat scleroderma. According to MedlinePlus, methotrexate also treats psoriasis (a serious skin condition), rheumatoid arthritis and cancer of the uterus, breast, head, neck and blood. Methotrexate is a tablet that is taken as a physician prescribes.
Methotrexate's common side effects include a headache, dizziness, drowsiness, red eyes, hair loss, tender gums, a poor appetite and hair loss (alopecia). Methotrexate's serious side effects include seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness and problems moving the body.
Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medication that can be used to manage scleroderma. MedlinePlus says that methylprednisolone also treats the inflammation of arthritis, intestinal, skin, kidney and eye disorders. Sometimes this drug may be used to treat allergies and cancer as well. Methylprednisolone is a tablet taken by mouth as a physician prescribes.
Methylprednisolone's common side effects include stomach problems, anxiety, acne, a headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, restlessness, vomiting, easy bruising and irregular menstrual periods. Methylprednisolone's serious side effects include muscle weakness, black or bloody stools, vision problems, infection and a swelling of the face, ankles or legs.
Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can reduce pain and inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, indomethacin also treats the pain and tenderness of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis as well as pelvic and spinal arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis). Indomethacin is taken as a capsule, liquid or rectal suppository.
Side effects of indomethacin include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, ringing in the ears, rectal irritation and a headache. Indomethacin's serious side effects include a fast heartbeat, weight gain, lack of energy, painful urination, pale skin, blisters, a rash and abnormal bleeding or bruising. Indomethacin's other serious side effects include nausea, a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, blurry vision and back pain.
