The treatment for familial Mediterranean fever is treatment of symptoms. Colchicine, a medicine that reduces inflammation, may help during an attack and may prevent further attacks.
Expectations (prognosis):
There is no known cure for familial Mediterranean fever. Most people continue to have attacks, but the number and severity of attacks is different from person to person.
Complications:
Discomfort is the primary complication.
Narcotic addiction may sometimes occur, but addiction rates are not higher than for the general population if the pain associated with the condition is recognized and treated appropriately.
Amyloidosis (deposits of protein in different organs) is more common in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms develop to rule out other possible causes and get appropriate treatment. See a pain specialist if there is chronic pain.
Review Date: 7/8/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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