NAC supplement

[pollymarierose]

I'm very worried about the side effects of preds so I came across the supplement called NAC which stands for N-acetyl cysteine. It's supposed to be a powerful anti-oxidant and prevents horrible and dangerous side effects to medications and chemicals. I'm thinking of trying it. Has anyone else tried this?

[Polywotsit PMRGCAuk team member]

Hi! I can well understand you wanting to minimise the side-effects of pred, but if I were you I would be very wary of this substance. Given that it is used for cystic fibrosis, to reduce mucal congestion, I would be worried about its effects on the mucal membranes. It appears that 18%, i.e. almost one in five users reports itchiness and redness. So if I were looking for an antioxidant I would probably start with vitamin C and see how it goes. What side effects are you particularly concerned about?

[pollymarierose in reply to Polywotsit]

Deterioration of muscles, high blood pressure, stomach problems etc. I had such a horrible time on it 20 years ago. However, after being on it for 2 years back then, once I was weaned off of it, I didn't have any long term damage from it.

Thank you for the warnings. I'm going to study vitamin C's benefits now. Funny that in spite of all the vitamins I take, vitamin C seems to get forgotten by me. 🤔

[Aleish in reply to Polywotsit]

Grape Seed aka resveratrol is suggested. I just ordered some from Life Extensions. What’s your take on this one?

[pollymarierose in reply to Aleish]

What does grapeseed do? I'm looking for something natural that will help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to pollymarierose]

Just because it is natural doesn't mean it is any safer - in fact, in many cases it isn't. Supplements are not tested or monitored during manufacture, all pharmaceutical drugs are and are also tested to death. Remember, deadly nightshade is natural - it can still kill you. And almonds can make cyanide - same thing.

[pollymarierose in reply to PMRpro]

I was replying about the grapeseed oil. I know one has to be careful about anything they take. Belladonna is still sold in health stores and that can kill you. I'm going to talk to my rheumy, who I finally see this coming Thursday (yay!) First before I do anything.

[GerriMc in reply to PMRpro]

This is a really important point. People sometimes take “natural “ remedies on the recommendation of friends or stuff read on the internet. No consideration of how it might interact with their prescription meds.

Herbal remedies can severely damage the liver. You need to know what you’re taking.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GerriMc]

Exactly.

Basically, anything that is "strong" enough to make a difference to anything must also be "strong" enough to cause unwanted effects and interact with not only prescription medications but also other similar supplements. And more is not always better ...

[pollymarierose in reply to Aleish]

I just looked up reservatrol and I think I'm going to try it! Thanks, Aleish!

[SnazzyD]

I’m a bit sceptical because I don’t understand the mechanism. What I don’t get is how is an antioxidant is going to nullify so many drugs’ side effects when these side effects are caused by a variety of biochemical processes, not just causing free radicals. For example, most of Pred side effects are due to the body’s normal daily response to Cortisol being amplified. I don’t see how an antioxidant is going to stop the liver causing sugar spikes, the hormone imbalance, the thin skin, muscle wasting to name a few. I know it breaks down Paracetamol, so how do you know it isn’t breaking down the very drugs that you need to have in your system. One way of not getting the side effects! I’m not a biochemist though, so perhaps there is one on the forum?

[pollymarierose in reply to SnazzyD]

It's a mystery to me too! Here's hoping for an answer!

[PMRnewbie2017 in reply to SnazzyD]

Spot on SnazzyD

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It has a proven role in certain situations - but that doesn't mean it will work for everything. Any article claiming something is a miracle cure usually comes from someone with a finger in the financial pie who is looking to supplement their income courtesy of yours!

There are far more practical ways of minimising the side effects of pred - which aren't anything like as bad as they are made out to be at PMR level doses:

practicalpainmanagement.com...

medpagetoday.org/rheumatolo...

about the same work but with different emphases.

[pollymarierose in reply to PMRpro]

There is that to always be wary of. Someone benefiting from another's grief. Thank you for the links. I'm definitely going to read them.

[misspops]

Hi Pollymarierose,

I have been taking 600mg of NAC daily for about two months now. My doc told me she was taking it to prevent Alzheimers, her mother had it. My mother also had it, and that is why I am taking it. So far, no problems. But like most supplements, can't tell if it is helping at all.

[pollymarierose in reply to misspops]

I hope it's helping you. I'm going to be mentioning it to my rheumy in a few days. 🤞

[Healthysearch]

I have had PMR since Dec 2017 and am much better (now at 4.5 prednisone). I have added powered collagen, which really has helped me. As we get older our bodies have a harder time producing collagen. Our bodies consist of a large percentage of collagen. I only take half what they reccomend but have noticed a big difference... in supplementing it... I also gave beginning of osteoporosis

[Healthysearch]

Sorry ....also have beginning of osteoporosis.. started taking plant based cal/ mag from algae. And it has made a big difference in how I feel...

Which hopefully will help in cal/mag losses from prednisone... I hope your journey goes well😀