Hi!
I am on the verge of starting to take it. I have been on prednisone far too long, and it was suggested as a safer alternative to the high dose tapers I am forced to take for my ashma, and the 5 mg. maintenance I have lived on for my neuro symptoms. Both my neurologist and rheumatologist have encouraged me to do so, as I was staying at a high level of sick, in a flare that wouldn't quit. The doc was about to write the prescription, but I put it off for 6 more months because, for the first time in my life since I was 11, I am no longer working, and hope that being able to rest more might send my lupus into remission without either prednisone or cellcept. I did alot of research and networking, and am reassured that it's benefits will outweigh the risks. I was impressed that both drs. said the side effects were really not that bad and it seems it's efficacy in autoimmune disease is being actively studied. I plan to call the dr. after Christmas. My health insurance is really good, and my HMO plan will cover the generic form for our $10.00 copay for a 105 day supply. I think the cost is coming down, because it is on the list of standard priced meds from our drug providers. We get almost all of our prescriptions through Medco.
Take care,
suetoo