Try a Little Dexie !: If you are... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Try a Little Dexie !

Fairwind profile image
9 Replies

If you are taking Prednisone for any reason see if your doctor will substitute Dexamethasone instead. they perform the same function but the Dexamethasone also can restore your apatite, relieve moderate pain, and generally make you feel better..It's worth trying..

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Fairwind profile image
Fairwind
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9 Replies
GoBucks profile image
GoBucks

Nice to see you posting Fairwind. Hoping that wind is blowing in the right direction for you. I always heard that was a good switch if your PSA started rising while on Zytiga. What were you taking prednisone for?

cesces profile image
cesces

I seem to recollect that Prednisone is the preferred option.

I don't remember why.

Fairwind profile image
Fairwind in reply tocesces

I started taking Pred when I went on Zytiga..Seems it was a necessary part of Zytiga treatment. I've been on it ever since (4-5 years) Hospice nurse suggested I try Dex as an alternative and I am glad I did...

spencoid2 profile image
spencoid2 in reply toFairwind

I will ask mu MO about dex. Just a reminder that if you are taking prednisone with zytiga (and probably true of dex) do not just stop. You need to taper off or do whatever your doctor advises. I ran out and after two days was a total wreck. I do not like the idea of steroids at all but it seems it is a necessary part of the program?

dougnola profile image
dougnola

I don’t have a strong opinion but my oncologist told me that if my psa started to rise (I’ve been on zytiga + eligard + prednisone for 4 years) they would likely first try doubling my prednisone from 5 mg to 10 and, if that didn’t do anything try going back to dex. (And then other castration resistant treatments if it kept rising). For what it’s worth, I became really allergic to dex back when I was doing chemo but there were so many chemicals in my body then. For now, I’m happy with the status quo! Good luck fairwind! ✌️ DougNOLA

Muldoon432 profile image
Muldoon432

Switched when Zytiga started to fail. PSA went down again but the swelling in my feet and legs got so bad I had to stop - so at least wait until PSA starts to go up with prednisone. Everyone is different.

Haniff profile image
Haniff

Hi Fairwind

Just checking, did you develop the ‘moon face’ syndrome while on prednisone or dexa?

I did since i am on prednisone 😕

Haniff

dougnola profile image
dougnola in reply toHaniff

Me too Haniff. Big time on higher doses. Back, when I was on chemo and lost all my facial/head hair, including eyebrows, I looked like a big Gerber baby. It’s not so bad now that I’m on 5mg but still more than I used to have pre steroid. Hope yours settles down. ✌️ DougNOLA

DenDoc profile image
DenDoc

The steroids are necessary with Zytiga since the drug interferes with the production of androgens wherever they are made including some in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce our cortisol which is extremely important for our daily well being biochemically. Without Cortisol we would not do well at all in response to stress and other factors. These levels we are taking are not treatment levels but simply maintenance. It is all in the package literature and available on-line. You are correct, do not stop (or run out of) your steroid. You could really crater.

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