All about Prednisone

Prednisone (sometimes spelt Prednizone) is an ordinarily used oral glucocorticoid medication. In the body the adrenal glands turn out a natural glucocorticoids, that are manage many functions in the body including upkeep of blood pressure, proper use of sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, reply to stress, and plenty of other jobs.

When steroids, like prednisone, are taken either by mouth or intravenously, they’re known as
exogenous steroids. It is important to understand that taking glucocorticoids can impact the capabilityof the person’s own adrenal glands to keep producing glucocorticoids. When this occurs serious complications may arise.

The chances of diminished adrenal gland output increase as the dose of outside steroid exceeds the typical daily equivalent output of the adrenal glands. This is normally about 5.0-7.5 mg for
prednisone. If treatment continues for more than a fortnight or on a long term program, doses are given late in the day or in split measures. In some cases long-acting corticosteroid preparations are used.

People who require high doses of prednisone for extended amounts of time often will develop
side-effects. This is in excess of 20mg per day. Taking steroids on an alternative day ( each other
day ) schedule lessens the possibility of adrenal insufficiency but does not get rid of it altogether.

The use of prednisone for Polymyalgia should be considered with the potential risk benefit analysis. These benefits and risks have to be discussed with your rheumatologist.

Prednisone is generally always used by rheumatologists to treat Polymyalgia. It is most often used sparingly (as sparingly as possible), in low doses because of the potential side effects. The
unfortunate aspect of PMR is that for most the prescription will be for the course of the illness, so ask the rheumatologist about how you can minimise the potential for steroidal side effects. And be sure to identify a prescription reduction regime – ask about it.

Make sure you get as much information as you possibly can from the specialist (and elsewhere), and set your self up to minimise the possible downside of extended prednisone use.