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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects For Panafcort?

I have been diagnosed as having Polymyalgiarhumatica & panafcort has been recommended for treatment long term. What dangers are the side effects of panafcort & are there any other Medications could be used. I am a very fit, active 78 years male & 52 years a competitive golfer.
Wed, 21 Dec 2016
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Diabetologist 's  Response
Hello,
Panafcort contains a steroid called prednisone. It has side effects similar to other steroids. The dose prescribed is not mentioned. As your diagnosis is polymyalgia rheumatica, I would assume that the starting dose is kept at minimum. This condition responds favorably to lower doses also rescuing the incidence of side effects due to steroids.
Side effects of steroids to watch out for and what to do for them
1) Osteoporosis: Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements to be taken
2) Hyperglycemia: Regular follow up with blood glucose level monitoring
3) Increased cardiovascular risk: Again regular follow up with investigations; starting medications if required
4) Increased risk of infections: Adequate vaccination before introducing steroids
There may be other side effects also, butI have covered important ones.
If you start experiencing severe side effects, the steroid dose may be reduced or stopped and another medication called methotrexate can be prescriced.
To reduce steroid induced side effects, some measures like dividing the daily dose into 2/3rd in the morning and 1/3rd in late evening/night will help. You can speak with your physician/rheumatologist and take the medications as prescribed.
I hope the above information helps you. Thanks for writing into healthcaremagic. Have a great day. Take care.
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What Are The Side Effects For Panafcort?

Hello, Panafcort contains a steroid called prednisone. It has side effects similar to other steroids. The dose prescribed is not mentioned. As your diagnosis is polymyalgia rheumatica, I would assume that the starting dose is kept at minimum. This condition responds favorably to lower doses also rescuing the incidence of side effects due to steroids. Side effects of steroids to watch out for and what to do for them 1) Osteoporosis: Adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements to be taken 2) Hyperglycemia: Regular follow up with blood glucose level monitoring 3) Increased cardiovascular risk: Again regular follow up with investigations; starting medications if required 4) Increased risk of infections: Adequate vaccination before introducing steroids There may be other side effects also, butI have covered important ones. If you start experiencing severe side effects, the steroid dose may be reduced or stopped and another medication called methotrexate can be prescriced. To reduce steroid induced side effects, some measures like dividing the daily dose into 2/3rd in the morning and 1/3rd in late evening/night will help. You can speak with your physician/rheumatologist and take the medications as prescribed. I hope the above information helps you. Thanks for writing into healthcaremagic. Have a great day. Take care.