Dupuytren's Disease

Medications

Medications are not generally used as part of treatment for Dupuytren's disease. A long-acting corticosteroid medication is sometimes injected directly into the affected area to help manage symptoms of the disease in its early stages, before one or more fingers bends toward the palm (contracture). Corticosteroids may also temporarily help improve function of the hand.

Medication Choices

Corticosteroid injections may be used to treat symptoms of Dupuytren's disease, but they do not cure or stop the progression of the disease.

What To Think About

Corticosteroids are not a long-term treatment option for Dupuytren's disease because repeated injections can permanently weaken the tissue and may cause other serious side effects.

Medications under study for relief of Dupuytren's disease include interferon and collagenase.³

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Author:	Douglas Dana Ralph Poore	Last Updated: June 20, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
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