Prednisone has been one of the cornerstone treatments for Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) for years. It can be part of the diagnostic criteria. It is used to treat numerous conditions that involve inflammation. It also suppresses the activity of the immune system. Prednisone is often prescribed for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, allergic reactions, certain skin disease, multiple sclerosis flare-ups, autoimmune diseases and replacement for deficiencies of natural steroid hormones.
Prednisone is classified as a Corticosteriod and a DMARD. It works by mimicking the effects of the body's natural Corticosteriod hormones which are produced in the adrenal glands located on top of your kidneys and help fight inflammation.
The average dosage for adults range from 5 mg's. to 100 mg's. a day depending on the severety and location of the flare. Maintaince dosages ranging from 5-30 mg's daily and may be used for months or years depending on the degree and type of illness.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the above side effects occur:
- Never increase or decrease this medication without your doctors approval.
- Never abruptly stop taking this medication in some cases your adrenal gland may not start functioning correctly and the abrupt stop may pose life threatening problems.
- Prednisone should only be reduced under the careful supervision of your doctors.
Let your doctor know if you have had any of the following: history of bone disease, chicken pox, measles, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, recent serious infection, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, liver of kidney disorders, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, myasthenia gravis or lupus.
- Drug interactions: Your doctor must know about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter (OTC's). Prednisone interacts with the following medications. Aminoglutethimide, antacids, barbiturates, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, mitotane, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, primidone, ramipril, medications containing potassium, sodium and licorice (this is not a complete list).
Prednisone remains a cornerstone of medical treatment. For many reasons, its ability to control debilitating inflammatory illness' when nothing else will, being a chief consideration.
RP is now being treated with additional medications to control or suppress the immune system. These are NSAIDs' and DMARDs thus helping to reduce the amounts of prednisone.
This article is supplied as information only and should not take the place of your physicians council.
