Glucocorticoids are an effective and relatively rapid-acting treatment for conditions with a severe, sudden course, which until recently led to significant disability and mortality. Vasculitis, in which the treatment timing and intensity strongly determine its outcomes, as well as chronic diseases, in which the action taken significantly affects the patient’s quality of life, are of particular importance. The first part of this review outlined the general principles of glucocorticoid therapy in vasculitis based on detailed expert recommendations and guidelines of recognised rheumatology societies. For very rare diseases, the experience of researchers and generally accepted clinical practice are presented. The second part of the publication discusses the place and role of glucocorticoids in the subsequent lines of therapy for both common and rare conditions of rheumatic origin. This paper summarizes current and structured knowledge of the use of glucocorticoids in the treatment of vasculitis and other rheumatic diseases.