Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Prednisone
Posted on
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Answered on
Tue, 4 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I am a 65 yr old male. I have high blood pressure, asthma, and have been recently diagnosed with myasitia gravis. I am currently taking Cozaar (100mg 1/day,) Lipator (80mg 1/day,) Hydroclorothiazide (25mg 1/2 per day,) and Mestinon (60mg 4/day.) Also, I have recently been prescribed Plavix, (75mg 1/day,) which I have not yet begun taking.
Yesterday, in a visit to my neurologist, he told me he is putting me on a Pednisone (20mg) regimen, due to my increasing problems with the MG. I will take 1 tab/day for 2 weeks, then 1.5 for two weeks, then 2 for two weeks,then 2.5 for two weeks, then 3 tabs/day and maintain.
In your opinion am I being over-medicated. Is there anything I should ask my Dr. to revisit, as far as meds go? Thank you.
Yesterday, in a visit to my neurologist, he told me he is putting me on a Pednisone (20mg) regimen, due to my increasing problems with the MG. I will take 1 tab/day for 2 weeks, then 1.5 for two weeks, then 2 for two weeks,then 2.5 for two weeks, then 3 tabs/day and maintain.
In your opinion am I being over-medicated. Is there anything I should ask my Dr. to revisit, as far as meds go? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that list of medications though I wouldn't say that you are being over medicated. They are all common strategies for the conditions that you have. The only medication you do not account for is Lipitor, but I am assuming your tests have shown high blood cholesterol or atherosclerotic plaques in your blood vessels.
Otherwise I do not see much wrong with the therapy, Prednisone is a common adjunct to Mestinon which is rarely enough alone. Actually your asthma may benefit from Prednison as well. In the future though Prednisone use is associated with long term side effects, so it usually is contemplated to be gradually substituted with an immune suppressant drug like azathioprine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Looking at that list of medications though I wouldn't say that you are being over medicated. They are all common strategies for the conditions that you have. The only medication you do not account for is Lipitor, but I am assuming your tests have shown high blood cholesterol or atherosclerotic plaques in your blood vessels.
Otherwise I do not see much wrong with the therapy, Prednisone is a common adjunct to Mestinon which is rarely enough alone. Actually your asthma may benefit from Prednison as well. In the future though Prednisone use is associated with long term side effects, so it usually is contemplated to be gradually substituted with an immune suppressant drug like azathioprine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
