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calcuim + prednisone

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Posted 4/4/2008 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
does anyone take calcium supplements to counter act the prednisones effect on bone density? is this safe and does it cause stomach upset? would it be different for men to take calcium than women?
Posted 4/4/2008 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hello...I do take Calcium everyday.   I don't have any side effects from it. I take 600mg everyday, and also take a multi vit.   A few years ago,  my bone density showed osteopenia (which is the step before osteoporosis),  and this was before my large IV doses during my last bad flare.   So I really became concerned re; bone density and started taking it.   Also do have my GI blessings as well.   :o)  
Posted 4/4/2008 7:28 AM (GMT 0)
I would definitely recommend taking Calcium while on Pred. Be sure to take a supplement that also has vit. D in it. Calcium can't be absorbed without vit D present. I was taking 3 pills/day of 500mg Caltrate with D when I was on pred. And if anything it helped the symptoms, definitely no side effects. I continue to take 500mg/day. Not sure if anything is different for men...
Posted 4/4/2008 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
My son takes Actonel once per week while on Prednisone. The GI gave him enough samples to last through the taper.
Posted 4/4/2008 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
I took a calcium supplement while I was on pred. I definitely recommend it. It didn't bother me at all.
Posted 4/4/2008 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
While on pred it's also improtant to get extra potasium!! Eat an extra bannana or two a day on higher doses!
Posted 4/4/2008 2:36 PM (GMT 0)

Definitely take a calcium supplement while on pred.

A link to recommended values:
http://www.osteoporosis.ca/english/about%20Osteoporosis/Nutrition/Calcium%20Requirements/default.asp?s=1

Posted 4/4/2008 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
It is so important to take calcium on prednisone. I did when I was on it and it did not cause me any trouble.
Posted 4/4/2008 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
thanks everyone. i just went out and got some. i appreciate the helpful responses
Posted 4/4/2008 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I take calcium every day... whether or not I am on Prednisone. I take 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening. My GI suggested this the first time I went to see him, and I've been doing it ever since.

I recently needed to purchase more calcium pills and decided to try the new Viactiv chocolate chews. They are EXCELLENT! Much better than the chalky horse pills... and they are the same dose. If you are looking for something different, you might want to try them.
Posted 4/4/2008 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I take 500mg calcicum + vit D 3xday and fosomax 70mg 1xweek b/c of the pred.
Posted 4/5/2008 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Just a thought - I was always concerned about taking too much calcium as I thought it can cause kidney stones and I read somewhere that people with UC are more prone to kidney stones. I guess the benefits of calcium would probably outweigh that though. I have never had one but my husband did once and it was the most pain I had ever seen anyone in.
Posted 4/6/2008 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Another really tasty calcium supplement is Adora - comes in milk and dark chocolate flavors!
Posted 4/7/2008 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
Question: I heard you cannot take calcium with your other meds. As it would not let them absorb. Is this true. Do others take with other meds? I have a hard time remembering to take my calcium in the afternoon.

Posted 4/7/2008 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
According to the Mayo Clinic web site, it depends on the type of calcium you take. Calcium carbonate should be taken with food, as it is absorbed better that way. Calcium citrate can be taken any time. Here is the link for the article:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/calcium-supplements/AN01428
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