Re: What are the dangers of Prednisone ??

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The dangers of Predinsone are significant, even at a low dose. The

increased weight gain puts more pressure on your lower extremeties & can lead to

ankle/knee/hip problems. You have already experienced the bone erosion that

comes with Predinsone. I was dx'd with RA in 1999. I was on doese of Prednisone

as high as 80 mg a day and am now on 2mg a day. I have struggled to eliminate

the prednisone all together. My rheumy said it is unwise to change meds with

there is stress in my life. In the past 7 years, I have lost 10 family members,

lost a job, had my heart broken, lost my beloved in rheumy in March and, in May,

got married. My life has been fairly stable over the past 6 months but I drive

1.5 hours to work each way.

I started Remicade 6 months after I was dx'd and have experienced great

results.

Here is a link for Prednisone info:

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DrugGuide/chart_corticosteroids.asp#Predniso\

ne.

Take care,

Steph in VA

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My personal experience with Prednisone... Years back, I was on a high dose

65-70mg /day for over a year. Now I am on a maintenance dose of 2.5mg /day,

taking more as flares develop. When on a higher dose, I noticed personality

changes in me, more irritatable, cranky, no patience, (almost like a

different person) and an appetite that would never end. Puffy face, weight

gain and Avascular Necrosis (dead bone) in my ankle. But that seems to

happen only on a dosage of 10mg or more. It is still the only thing that

calms my flares and I just try to take as low of a dose as possible.

Just my 2 cents worth, but can't imagine how I would feel being totally off

of it. It is still my drug of " choice " .

Joanne, IL

[ ] What are the dangers of Prednisone ??

> Hi all,

> Was wondering what all the fuss is about Pred. I've been taking this

> drug the longest of any in the past. Which, if I remember, has been

> the last 14+ years. The does has been up to 25mg and down to present

> level of 5mg a day. I know if I don't take it for a couple days I my

> joints let me know....so back on 5mg I go.

>

> Yes, my last bone scan says (1-1/2 yrs ago)the bones are just starting

> to thin, and got put on a Calcium pill.

>

> BTW...I came down with RA in 1991 and been on to many different drugs

> that I can remember all the names.

> Now, on Enbrel and Pred. but the damage has been done to the joints

> and can't work.

> The swelling is way down to almost nothing but the pain is forever.

>

> Thanks for the ear,

>