What is the first-line treatment option for Giant Cell Arteritis?

In cases of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), the first-line treatment option is prednisone, a corticosteroid. This choice is based on the condition's inflammatory nature and the urgent need to prevent complications such as vision loss, which can occur if the inflammation affects the temporal arteries. Corticosteroids like prednisone effectively reduce inflammation and provide quick relief of symptoms associated with this vasculitis.

Prompt initiation of treatment with prednisone is critical to prevent serious sequelae, and the dosing is typically high at the start to achieve rapid control of symptoms. The tapering of the dosage can be done once the patient's condition stabilizes. While other medications such as methotrexate may be used as a steroid-sparing agent after stabilization, they are not the first-line therapy due to the need for immediate anti-inflammatory action. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin are not adequate for managing GCA on their own since they do not have the potent anti-inflammatory effects required in this scenario.