What are the recommended first-line treatments for a patient diagnosed with polymyositis?

For a patient diagnosed with polymyositis, the recommended first-line treatment typically involves corticosteroids Sasaki & Kohsaka 2018. These are often initiated at high doses to control inflammation and muscle weakness Sasaki & Kohsaka 2018. In many cases, immunosuppressive agents are used in conjunction with corticosteroids, or as steroid-sparing therapies, to manage the condition effectively Sasaki & Kohsaka 2018. For instance, prednisolone, a corticosteroid, has been studied in combination with immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus or cyclosporin A for the treatment of polymyositis, particularly when associated with interstitial lung disease Fujisawa et al. 2021. While specific UK guidelines for first-line polymyositis treatment were not provided in the context, the general approach in current literature emphasizes corticosteroids as foundational therapy, often combined with other immunosuppressants Sasaki & Kohsaka 2018Fujisawa et al. 2021.