Sarcoidosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes inflammatory cells to collect in tissues and organs. These cells form granulomas (lumps). Any organ can be affected, but the lungs are the most common.

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Medicines:

• Steroids help slow your immune system and reduce the symptoms of sarcoidosis.
• Cytotoxic medicines decrease redness, pain, and swelling and help slow down your immune system.
• Pain medicines may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
• Anti-arrhythmics help your heart beat properly.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood or urine tests are used to look for signs of inflammation or to check your liver and kidney function.
• Diascopy is used to find any color changes in a skin lump. Your provider will press on the lump with a small glass plate.
• X-ray, CT scan, or MRI pictures may show granulomas, fluid, or other problems. You may be given contrast liquid before the pictures are taken to help these show up better in pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• A biopsy will show if the granulomas are caused by sarcoidosis. A small amount of tissue will be removed from your lungs or other affected areas and tested.

Treatment:

You may need to have surgery to remove granulomas that cause severe signs and symptoms. Healthcare providers may use lasers (light beams) or dermabrasion to remove or smooth skin lumps.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• prednisone
• Acthar
• Imuran
• Kenalog-40
• Azasan

View more treatment options

RISKS:

Granulomas may damage affected organs or tissues. Sarcoidosis can be life-threatening if it affects your heart.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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