Prednisone Informed Consent

Prescribing Prednisone Deserves INFORMED CONSENT, particularly regarding the taper and possible adrenal insufficiency. The symptoms of prednisone withdraw are a quality of life issue.

Usually I'm defending and explaining health professionals' decision-making as a nurse. Now as a patient with chronic illness, I can say that Prednisone, though a lifesaving agent, seems to be poorly managed, particularly during the taper, by most practitioners outside of the endocrinology specialty.

When offering prednisone as a treatment option in UC, prescribers seem to be oblivious to the potential (yet likely) side effects of the taper - symptoms that can be debilitating.

My own experience with taper & withdraw included UC flare, migraines, bone & joint pain, and overwhelming fatigue. I've been sidelined with adrenal insufficiency for nearly two years. Finally, my adrenals are producing cortisol & ACTH levels in the normal range. But I'm now so deconditioned and depressed, I need help with ADLs (activities of daily living).

What do you think; Should prednisone prescribers be required to give a detailed informed consent, verbally or in writing? Should the FDA (in USA) require pharmacies to dispense written information on these topics ( signs & symptoms of withdraw & insufficiency) with the Rx?

If I could do it over - and had been informed of these possible outcomes and the likelihood that I might experience them - I would have never taken prednisone (as a stable outpatient).