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Posted 8/25/2009 10:41 AM (GMT 0)
So if there aren't enough topics on prednisone lately, here's another one.  :)

Prednisone has given me gestational diabetes among a whole other long list of things.  All the problems I'm having with this pregnancy basically stem from my prednisone.  Main concern right now is the GD.  Since it's steroid induced diabetes it is very difficult to treat during pregnancy and cannot be controlled through diet and excercise and I will most likely need insulin shots on a regular basis, maybe even every time I eat.

Is there something else other than prednisone that will help?  I've been on it since the end of Feb/beginning of March at a fairly constant 20mg (did taper off to 5 mg every other day but had to go back up to 20)  I'm on Lialda (4daily), probiotics, as well as prenatals and now I get to be on antibiotics for another prednisone side effect for at least the rest of my pregnancy. 

Thanks!

Posted 8/25/2009 10:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, my doctor just started me on Imuran last week and it's a lifesaver. Prednisone is an ugly drug. I honestly can't understand why they prescribe it to begin with or why they would have allowed you to take it while pregnant. Anyway, Imuran (I'm not sure about taking it while pregnant though) seems to be doing what it's supposed to. Nothing was getting better until I started on it, so I'm guessing that it's the cause of this last week being so good.
Posted 8/25/2009 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
My 2 cents.

We are talking about 2 different drugs.
Prednisolone is a cortisone and its best to control acute flare of UC through its anti-inflammatory response.
Imuran, if I am right, contains Azathioprine and is immunosuppresant. The mode of action of both the drugs is different. Prednisolone controls your acute flare up and then Azathioprine should control your immune reaction in long terms.

Those who are on immunosuppresants should be very careful, they tend to get infections quite fast.
Posted 8/25/2009 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys! That is some good information for me :)

Unfortunately Imuran is considered a cat D drug during pregnancy according to my dr, I believe some places consider it a cat C. Either way it's not good during pregnancy, otherwise that is what I would be on instead of lialda and prednisone. After delivery that's what we're planning on switching to.

Pred has suppressed my immune system, has caused my GD making my sugars higher and undigested, which then has fed numerous UTI's of which my body can't fight off. It's a vicious cycle.

I hate prednisone... :(
Posted 8/25/2009 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
uh...rectal meds? curious why has that not been an option?  request them....they can work very well...

Why are you on Robinul?  is this for decreasing diarrhea?

q

Posted 8/25/2009 10:35 PM (GMT 0)

mindstyle said...

Those who are on immunosuppresants should be very careful, they tend to get infections quite fast.

Thank you for the heads up.
Posted 8/26/2009 3:18 AM (GMT 0)

Darth Squiddious said...

mindstyle said...

Those who are on immunosuppresants should be very careful, they tend to get infections quite fast.

Thank you for the heads up.

Darth, I'm on 125mg (almost as much as you) and I don't get sick more than anyone else. I take vitamin C when there are sickies around or if a cold catches me and I do fine. =)

Also, I'm wondering why you take it three times a day instead of one? That seems weird. Seeing as how long it takes to kick in and also how it takes a while to leave the system, I don't see the benefit. It would be easier to take it all at once. Unless it makes you nauseous? Just curious

Posted 8/26/2009 3:41 AM (GMT 0)

ElephantPipe said...

Also, I'm wondering why you take it three times a day instead of one? That seems weird. Seeing as how long it takes to kick in and also how it takes a while to leave the system, I don't see the benefit. It would be easier to take it all at once. Unless it makes you nauseous? Just curious

6am, 2pm, 10pm.

I don't know why, that's just how the doc's got it prescribed. He's been an award winning GI for 35 years and is one of the best in DFW (I'm actually really lucky considering the military normally sends you to whatever random doctor pops up in the computer), so I trust it. My only guess is it might be because I'm just starting the prednisone taper.

So far, I've experienced no side effects from it. Maybe a little more gas than normal, but my UC finally went into remission and it happened 3 days after I started the Imuran. I'm down to 1-2 trips to the commode a day and the results have been solid since Saturday. I'm really hyped.
Posted 8/26/2009 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Oh well that's cool dude. I don't get any side-effects either. Woo!
Posted 8/27/2009 12:34 AM (GMT 0)

quincy said...
uh...rectal meds? curious why has that not been an option? request them....they can work very well...


Why are you on Robinul? is this for decreasing diarrhea?



q

I second, third, and fourth this question. ?? Have you already done them?
Posted 8/27/2009 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Darth, Imuran takes one to three months (sometimes up to six months) to build to an effective level in your body. Your improvement is likely related to the Lialda or Prednisone. Hopefully the Imuran will help to maintain it as it kicks in.
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