Managing SJIA

Once your child has been diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA), you should begin working with a doctor on a treatment plan for your child. Remember, one of the reasons that SJIA is distinct from other types of juvenile arthritis is because it affects not only the joints, but also the entire body. That's why it's necessary to treat both symptoms of the joints and those that involve the whole body.

Medicines

While there is no cure for SJIA, your child's doctor may recommend certain medicines to reduce and relieve flares and other SJIA symptoms.

Over-the-counter medicines

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Prescription medicines

Prescription medicines

  • Corticosteroids

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

  • Biologics

ILARIS for SJIA

ILARIS for SJIA

One type of biologic is ILARIS®, the once-monthly injectable biologic medicine that's FDA approved for active SJIA in children 2 years of age and older. ILARIS treats symptoms that happen around the joints and those that occur throughout the body. Symptom improvements can be seen after the first dose with ILARIS.* Find out more in the about ILARIS section.

*Fifteen days after the first dose, approximately 8 out of 10 children taking ILARIS had improvements in the symptoms of fever and painful and/or swollen joints.

Exercise in Children with SJIA

While diet and exercise are important factors for every child to grow and develop, they are especially important for children with arthritis. In addition to building and keeping confidence in their physical abilities, exercise may help children with arthritis by:

  • Keeping joints flexible

  • Building muscle strength

  • Improving fitness

  • Increasing energy

  • Reducing pain

It's a good idea to check with your child's doctor about the activities that are best for your child. You may also want to ask if any nutritional supplements are right for your child.

Next: Taking ILARIS