- Treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids (>10mg/day prednisone equivalent) and NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective inhibitors, cannot be initiated at anytime during the study. However, patients taking corticosteroids and NSAIDs (including ASA) before study entry may continue these medications during the study, however, they must have been taking a stable dose (e.g. for oral medication, a consistent daily dose ± 25%) for at least 2 weeks before study admission and the dosage must be kept constant throughout the study. Occasional, intermittent use of NSAIDs for acute, self-limiting conditions (e.g. headache relief) is acceptable during the study