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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Prescribed Prednisone 60mg To Fight Fatigue, Have Stage IV Lung Cancer, Brain Radiation. Prednisone Help The Fatigue?

my husband was just prescribed Prednisone, 60mg, once daily for 3 days to help fight the fatigue he is experiencing. He is a 3 year Stage IV Lung Cancer survivor, and we are not sure if the fatigue is from the cancer, the Xalkori, the recent whole brain radiation, or just because he hasn't been active in a few months. How will the prednisone help the fatigue?
Tue, 8 Oct 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug. It is converted into prednisolone in our body by the liver's specific enzymes; thus, it can be active.

Usually, corticosteroids mimic the cortisol, the natural corticosteroid produced in our body. Therefore, prednisone has many effects in our body.

In cases of cancer (as your husband), prednisone is used to lower the body's immune response and as a potent inflammation reducer.

With regards to being fatigued, all the factors you mentioned (Xalkori, brain radiation, being inactive for months) and especially cancer (with cancerous cells taking all the nutrients to your husband), all of them make him fell fatigued.

To suppress his immune system (which is currently fighting against cancer with the help of Xalkori and radiation), your doctors have prescribed prednisone.

Hope it helped! All the best to your husband and all of you!
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Prescribed Prednisone 60mg To Fight Fatigue, Have Stage IV Lung Cancer, Brain Radiation. Prednisone Help The Fatigue?

Hi, Prednisone is a corticosteroid drug. It is converted into prednisolone in our body by the liver s specific enzymes; thus, it can be active. Usually, corticosteroids mimic the cortisol, the natural corticosteroid produced in our body. Therefore, prednisone has many effects in our body. In cases of cancer (as your husband), prednisone is used to lower the body s immune response and as a potent inflammation reducer. With regards to being fatigued, all the factors you mentioned (Xalkori, brain radiation, being inactive for months) and especially cancer (with cancerous cells taking all the nutrients to your husband), all of them make him fell fatigued. To suppress his immune system (which is currently fighting against cancer with the help of Xalkori and radiation), your doctors have prescribed prednisone. Hope it helped! All the best to your husband and all of you!