Is it logical to wonder if 2 years on Prednisone can be a contributing cause to a cancer ?… by Lidybe
In that by reducing the body's immune system it can allow a cancer to take hold ?
All thoughts and opinions on this appreciated. I do not know of any study data.
Best Answer:
Yes, it is logical. The prednisone would not actually induce malignant transformation of cells, but I would be concerned about chronic immunosuppression dropping my immune guard to early evolving malignancies as you apparently are already aware.
It is part of the immune function to identify, attack, and destroy aberrant cells that could propagate into a malignant tumor if allowed to grow unchecked.
This is more of a theoretical concern since I don't know of actual data to indicate a clear association between two years of prednisone and and increased risk for any of the many types of cancer. (Of course, I do not know ALL data that has been published especially since I am now a retired cancer doctor.)
I think you must be quite intelligent and well informed to think of this.
It is a factor that should be considered and weighed against the benefits you are gaining with control of whatever disorder has prompted the chronic prednisone therapy.
I believe it also matters what dose level you are taking. Higher doses chronically would concern me more than low dose prednisone. Of course high dose chronic prednisone has many other side effects which you are probably familiar with - Cushinoid changes and other problems.
Best of luck to you. Hope you do not develop a malignancy, but if you do - you still will not be able to tell whether it was the prednisone which contributed. If it is possible to reduce the dose or get off the prednisone, that might be best. But if you are going to have to substitute Cytoxan - don't do it. The Cytoxan is more of a risk of actually causing cellular damage leading to malignancy.
As others have said, discussing this with the doctor(s) who knows your case in detail is the appropriate thing to do here.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
How long to see the effects of an antibiotic on a bacterial infection?… by INA
I'm taking Ampicillin 500 mg 4x/day and am on Day 2.5 and haven't seen any changes. I know docs can do cultures to help determine the type of bacteria (long story-don't want to involve docs), but I'm just wondering if I'm taking the right type of antibiotic to cover an array of bacterial infections and when to expect to see some kind of recovery. (I know to take all of the medication even if I feel better.)
Thanks for your help!
Best Answer:
You could have an infection that Ampicillin isn't going to help. I know you don't want to involve doctors, but sometimes the only way to get over an infection is to see a doctor so s/he can diagnose and prescribe the proper antibiotic.
Not knowing what kind of infection, it's hard to say how long to see improvement but I would say if after 2.5 days and you don't see any improvement, it's not working. See a doctor. Good luck.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
what generic brands of hydrocodone 10/325 are available.? What brand has a V (italic)on it?… by stephen
what brand has a V (italic) on it?
Best Answer:
V is the name of the manufacturer Vintage/”Qualitest” Pharmaceuticals. Vintage was the name of the company that was purchased with Qualitest Pharmaceuticals by an investment group called Apax. The combined pharmaceutical company is now only called Qualitest due to the very bad press and legal troubles that Vintage got into, but the tabs still carry the V branding.
Some of the major manufacturers of hydrocodone meds are Watson, UAD Laboratories Inc, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Abott Labs, UCB.
Other names of drugs with hydrocodone? Norco, Vocodin, Hydrocet, Lortab, Lorcet, Norco, Maxidone, Co-Gesic, Xodol, Zydone, Anexsia, and several others as it depends upon the amount of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The pill that you have has 10 milligrams of the narcotic (hydrocodone) and 325 milligrams of Tylenol. The Norco brand has this formulation and you likely have the generic.
See my source link for some additional info on hydrocodone. ~J~
Powered by Yahoo Answers
How do I make Aldara more effective?… by HM
I've been reading up A LOT on genital warts ever since I got infected. And my doctor prescribed me three month's worth of Aldara.
Anyway, I was looking it up and there's some personal statements that says, to scrape it, or to like use nair to soften up the warts.
But the thing is, wouldn't that just cause the genital to bleed and spread some more?
What are the things I should expect/do while I try some of these/your methods.
Best Answer:
Woah no no no that's a no no don't use nair on it or any other products on top of the warts…when did you start the aldara because you shouldn't have to make it more effective aldara works extremely fast give it a little more time because that is really the only thing that will get rid of it
Powered by Yahoo Answers
breastfeeding and antibiotics?… by ouch
I have to take a antibiotic called metronidazol and was told to pump and dump. Has anyone every been on this and is it true that i cannot breastfeed.
i have read so many statements that DR and phramasists are not well informed and just play it safe
Best Answer:
Assuming that antibiotic is unsafe why wouldn't they give you one that is safe? Seriously - I hate doctors!
Next time tell your Doc to call MOTHERISK while you are in the office so he can prescribe a safe drug.
Motherisk 9-5 EST (416) 813-6780
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~BZLchj:1
Summary of Use during Lactation:
With maternal intravenous and oral therapy, breastfed infants receive metronidazole in doses that are less than those used to treat infections in infants, although the active metabolite adds to the total infant exposure. Plasma levels of the drug and metabolite are measurable, but less than maternal plasma levels. Case reports of candidal infections and diarrhea have been reported, and a comparative trial suggested that oral and rectal colonization with Candida might be more common in infants exposed to metronidazole.
Neither topical nor vaginal metronidazole have been studied during breastfeeding. After vaginal administration, plasma levels are less than 2% of those after a 500 mg oral dose. After topical administration, blood levels are about 1% of the peak plasma levels after a 250 mg oral dose.
Because of the well demonstrated genotoxicity and mutagenicity in bacteria, carcinogenicity in animals, and possible mutagenicity in humans,[1][2] concern has been raised about exposure of healthy infants to metronidazole via breastmilk.[3] The relevance of these findings has been questioned and no definitive study has yet been performed in humans.[2][4]
Opinions vary among experts on the advisability of using metronidazole during longer-term therapy while breastfeeding, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends discontinuing breastfeeding for 12 to 24 hours after single-dose maternal treatment.[3][5] Other drugs are available for some conditions that metronidazole is used to treat. Topical or vaginal use of metronidazole during breastfeeding is unlikely to be of concern.
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html
Antibiotics [contents]
Amoxicillin Larotid, Amoxil Approved B L1
Aztreonam Azactam Approved B L2
Cefadroxil Ultracef, Duricef Approved B L1
Cefazolin Ancef, Kefzol Approved B L1
Cefotaxime Claforan Approved B L2
Cefoxitin Mefoxin Approved B L1
Cefprozil Cefzil Approved C L1
Ceftazidime Ceftazidime, Fortaz, Taxidime Approved B L1
Ceftriaxone Rocephin Approved B L2
Ciprofloxacin [more] Cipro Approved C L3
Clindamycin Cleocin Approved B L3
Erythromycin E-Mycin, Ery-tab, ERYC, Ilosone Approved B L1
L3 early postnatal
Fleroxacin - Approved - NR
Gentamicin Garamycin Approved C L2
Kanamycin Kebecil, Kantrex Approved D L2
Moxalactam Moxam Approved - NR
Nitrofurantoin Macrobid Approved B L2
Ofloxacin Floxin Approved C L2
Penicillin - Approved B L1
Streptomycin Streptomycin Approved D L3
Sulbactam - Approved - NR
Sulfisoxazole Gantrisin, Azo-Gantrisin Approved C L2
Tetracycline Achromycin, Sumycin, Terramycin Approved D L2
Ticarcillin Ticarcillin, Ticar, Timentin Approved B L1
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole Proloprim, Trimpex Approved C L3
Has anyone ever taken the drug tegretol to relieve neurological symptoms?… by sneakypuss
12 years ago I suffered an unstable fracture to my T12 vertebrae. I've been having some weird neurological symptoms such as tingling & pins and needle feeling in my legs and feet.
My neurosurgeon prescribed Tegretol to see if it helps with my symptoms, so far it's done nothing. Has anyone else used this drug with success?
Best Answer:
I've taken tegretol for TN….it is an awful drug that leaves you feeling like you have led in your shoes….if tegretol has not helped then it is possible that you do not have nerve pain because tegretol and nuerton are two drugs that definately work to eliminate nerve pain..maybe you need a higher dose…. it didn't work well for me untill my dose was higher….I took both drugs at the same time and became pain free…
Powered by Yahoo Answers
Is there an allergy pill that is similar to a celestone allergy injection?… by Pipe Cre
I have tried several allergy pills over the years, they are now all over the counter and don't work. When I get a celestone allergy injection it works right away, is there a pill similar to that injection?
Best Answer:
Celestone injections work for you because this is a “corticosteroid”. (IT is not the same as illegal steroids that athletes use to bulk up.) It is actually NOT an allergy med — it stops the allergic response in a totally different way. I imagine you are NOT getting these very frequently! If you are getting them frequently, your doctor is mis-using them.
Is your doc using this medicine to stop an asthma attack? There are good asthma pills that are taken daily, of different sorts, to help prevent asthma attacks. People with asthma also use “rescue inhalers” (they breathe in the medicine) that have steroids in them to stop a wheezing attack.
There ARE oral (taken by mouth) corticosteroid pills, but these types of steroids are typically an emergency type measure, for after a very bad allergic reaction.
If you are very allergic, you'd also want to consider carrying an epi-pen at all times. This in a medicine that is injected by needle when you have a bad reaction to food or insect bites.
I have found the allergy pills that are supposed to be “non-sedating” (don't make you sleepy) to not be too effective, either! The only one that works for me is tripolidine, which WILL make you sleepy. It's in Actifed and the generic equivalent of Actifed. You must ask for it at the pharmacist's counter, tho, because it has another ingredient in it that the pharmacists must register.
Be sure to ALWAYS tell any doc or NP (Nurse Practitioner) or PA (physician's assistant ) about ALL the medicines, herbs, vitamins, supplements, etc. (including herbal drinks and teas) that you are taking, as some medicines or herbs might interfere with other ones.
Have you considered allergy shots? For me, they have made a major difference in my life: i can be outside, or go to a friend's house with a cat or dog, but before the shots i could not do this. I carry an epipen and an inhaler at all times. I also wear a necklace with an alert on it that i have asthma.
I hope you are seeing a CERTIFIED allergist for your allergy management!
i hope this helps!
kathy MSN, RN
Powered by Yahoo Answers
I have multiple sclerosis and my stiffness is my only problem?… by pumky_20
I have taken zanaflex and baclofen but neither of them work. Is there any other med out there that maybe could help me? I am so frustrated that the 2 won't work for me. I wish something else would come out. My dr. won't do dantrolene but I would like to give it a try just to see if it would work. But, she doesn't like this med. Have you heard of anything else that maybe could help me?
Best Answer:
Muscle spasticity from MS can also be treated with diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and dantrolene (Dantrium)
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) just finished a Phase III clinical trial for use in MS last Nov. But articles were already coming out 2 mos. before that saying more clinical trials are still needed for use in MS.
None drug therapies…Exercise and/or PT: Maintaining a healthy weight will help with mobility problems. Also, they can help with spasticity and muscle weakness.
Exercises, such as tai chi and yoga can lower your stress, help you to be more relaxed, and increase your energy, balance, and flexibility. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before getting started.
Eat healthy: A healthy diet just like everyone else, making smart choices to balance between food and activity. Ask your doctor what diet is right for you.
There is some evidence that taking an oral supplement of linoleic acid (found in evening primrose, sunflower seeds, and safflower oil) may slightly improve MS symptoms.
Acupuncture: Some people report that acupuncture provides some relief of symptoms such as pain or muscle spasms. There have been no scientific studies to confirm this or to document that acupuncture is safe for people with MS. Keep in mind that there are always risks when a procedure involves puncturing the body with needles as is done with acupuncture, mainly risk is infection. Be sure the practitioner uses sterile techniques as acupuncture could transmit hepatitis or HIV.
Here's a easy to understand article http://www.medicinenet.com/multiple_sclerosis/article.htm
I also like the “MS for Dummies” book. For me MS was the devil I knew since my mom and aunt have it. But the book was a good reference for my husband. Plus there were tips I hadn't heard of or thought about.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
how long does it take to get off pain pills?befor you start to feel better?… by Deece
I have been on pain meds for over 11 years , now they dont make Talwin anymore and i feel so sick its been 24 hrs my skin is crawling!
how long befor I feel better?
Best Answer:
Fortunately the half-life of Talwin is very short. It is actually removed from your system in about 17.5 hours. Due to this reasonably short half-life the withdrawals are shorter for the most severe symptoms. Usually the worst symptoms of Talwin withdrawals is less than 72 hours. But you will have some residual effects for a couple of weeks, and if you have a psychological craving, the physical symptoms will not be your greatest issue.
During the first few days, try to take in as much hydration as you can. This will help the elimination of toxins and also will help ease some of the nausea. If you are experiencing shakes, chills and aches warm baths will help. Also warm fluids are more relaxing, and I have found warm teas or herbal teas to be soothing during these times.
Many people have a loss of appetite during these times but if you can get protein in liquids, such as a protein powder in a shake or smoothie you can help your body metabolize the toxins.
If sleep is an issue, I use melatonin in my patients with this problem. I normally start at 5 mg and increase by 2mg every 30 minutes to a maximum of 30 mg.
I have also found that over-the counter Benadryl can help with some of the anxiety and itching people experience during the initial phases of withdrawal.
Hope you get through this OK.
It is a good idea, if someone can check your blood pressure and pulse occasionally during the first couple of days as they can elevate during withdrawals.
Powered by Yahoo Answers
How do i get rid of my acne?… by loveyy 1
I'm 18 and i've had pimples since the 6th grade… its not terribly bad but it's worse then all of my friends and most kids i know =[ i'm sick of it! my boy friend of 1.5 years made a comment about it today… and well i want it gone. im on yaz.. thought it would help but its not. any suggestions on how to get rid / prevent it?
Best Answer:
Forget ProActiv, it's Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid, found in an Walgreens, CVS or other pharmacy. Birth control works sometimes, but not always and is not a permanent solution… For that matter, neither is Retin-A, oral/topical antibiotics, or ProActiv knockoffs.
You're obviously past puberty, so your hormones aren't the issue. Contact a dermatologist and get on isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, Sotret or Amnesteem. Of the patients that take it, 85% rate the results as “excellent.” Seriously, everything else is a waste of time.
The most common side-effect is dry skin, but that clears up after a couple of weeks. It is also a Pregnancy category X drug, which means it can cause birth defects in unborn children… Don't be freaked out by this though, it is ONLY a factor if you are on the drug, get pregnant, and keep taking the drug. Once you stop taking the drug, it is out of your system in 6 days and you can have all the healthy babies you like.
There are some requirements when taking this drug that your dermatologist will explain to you. If you have any questions, go ahead an email me and I can answer them if you need.
Powered by Yahoo Answers