I thought I would share this information with you. I am still on a learning curve.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked this question
via our website
"My query is based on the fact that one
of the ways of using corticosteroids in other chronic conditions is to
use double the daily dose but taken on alternate days - hence the name
alternate day therapy. It is believed to mimic the diurnal variation of
cortisol production in the body better and is associated with fewer
longterm side-effects. I had gathered from the website that you are all
non-medical people but I wondered if your nice consultant had ever said
anything about it."
I asked my excellent Rheumy ( I do not know how I would have got through
all of this without my two brilliant GPs and two Excellent Consultant
Rheumatogolists) and this was the response'
"Yes,
I often tell patients to take alternate days as the suppressing effect
on the adrenal glands is minimal. I usually do this only when the dose
is below 10mg prednisolone. If any one needs higher doses, whatever the
advantages in terms of side-effects, the PMR or GCA often needs the
steroids daily".
Please note 10mg prednisolone is the
key
This information could be of some use when trying to get down and not
having to cut the tablets in half or use the non-enteric coated 1mg.
But remember, never do anything without consulting either your GP or
Rheumatologist. We are all different in someways.
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