Anyone have any thoughts on whether there is a low dosage level of Prednisone that would be safe for very long term use. I've done well on 15mg every other day, not so good below that and I'm wondering how long I can keep going at this dosage. No significant side effects that I'm aware of while on the dosage level.

I'd prefer not to have to take any Prednisone, but the alternative at this point would be Immuran. Prednisone seems preferable right now, but not if long term use at this dosage will have harmful effects.

Thanks

I wish I knew the answer to this {I bet Annie or Alice will} I used to be on high dosage years ago and it has effected my vision. I can no longer take pred but thats OK, my Dr. is against using it anyway.

Have you spoken with your Dr about this? He/she would be able to answer it.

I have gotten different answers from different docs.

Have you spoken with your Dr about this? He/she would be able to answer it.[/QUOTE]

I think my neuro once told me that below 10 mg Pred per day, there was no side effects...
Maurice.

It depends what you consider low. A replacement dose of cortisone is about 5mg of Prednisolone a day. Anything above this leads to side effects long term. A dose about 5mg overrides the body's adrenals and will eventually atrophy them to stop working, so that you are reliant and at the mercy of cortisone tablets to stay alive for the rest of your life ... and need to understand how to manage your newly developed Addisons Disease and stress dose for sickness, surgery,broken legs etc. Its not a good medication but sometimes it is necessary and like all such things the good must outweigh the bad before a decision can be made.

Unrelated to my MG, I had Cushing's (which is too much cortisol, the equivalent of too much prednisone) and despite measures to control it like pituitary surgery, ended up having my adrenals removed - so I must take steroid replacements for life. It was when my adrenals when out then we discovered to my dismay that I must have been self-treating for MG, as it was then my MG roared to the forefront. But I will not and cannot take steroids due to the damage that has already been done to my body from the steroids.

Now there is a point where your body will *use* the steroid and then it will not be damaged. You will know that by always being able to sleep, never getting cataracts, your bones being fine etc. But Pred has a longer half life than an entire day - being up to 36 hours depending on the body (everyone uses a steroid differently) and does not go into effect right away.

I would keep an eye on the side effects as they can be sneaky and well, not all seen. It may be something to come off the 15mg - cortisol weans can be painful. Just be sure to take care of your bones extra careful while on the med.