Posted by Jack (24.188.48.180) on October 03, 2000 at 17:58:00:
In Reply to: Addicted to Prednizone?? posted by Debbie Clark on October 03, 2000 at 15:47:04:
but how could you take a powerful drug such as prednisone without knowing everything there is to know about it?
It is a steroid.
Long term use can have dire effects.
Bone thinning, diabetes, kidney malfuncion, heart disease among others.
My mother in law was on it for years to combat her lupus. Prednisone did her in - a massive heart attack.
A good friend has been on prednisone for years to combat his rheumatoid arthritis. His side effects have included diabetes, bone thinning and a compromised cardiac function.
My mother and my friend took prednisone to stay alive. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are serious diseases that can kill. They were aware of the risks.
I hope I have frightened you.
Don't take my word for any of this.
There is ample evidence in the medical literature about the long term effects of prednisone.
Find out what they are and do a risk reward analysis.
What have you been doing for 3 months?
I would never, ever take prednisone for a cluster.
Others weight the risk and rewards and opt to take it in short doses.
Only an idiot would take it or any other drug without knowing everything there is to know about the drug inlcuding side effects.
This is nothing personal :-)
Best wishes.