Anyone had fungal infection?

[agingfeminist]

My diagnosis of PMR and GCA was a year ago. Tapered from 60mg pred to 5.5mg in the year...now staying on 5.5mg . Slight pain in shoulders.

The latest thing to turn up is a fungal infection affecting finger and toe nails. Diagnosed as paronychia. Prescribed 400mg a day sporanox (itraconazole). Common side effects look gruesome... has anyone had any experience with this drug?

I feel so knocked back to have another thing to deal with....I am sorry to complain... I do know that many of you endure so much more.

I live alone so I am afraid you get the moanie me...tomorrow will be better...just anxious what this new drug might bring in its wake.

[MrsNails]

Hi AF

Yes l have exacerbated by Chemotherapy while on Steroids for PMR.

They tend to make you feel ‘yucky’ rather than anything else but they need specific timing to be kept away from some other Meds, l’d have to research to check as my brain has boxed off that period but l remember l had to set the alarm to take them at 6am so maybe they interfere with Pred but l’ll check for you.

You need to take them especially as you have paronychia as you don’t want that to get worse.

Speak to your Pharmacist on the telephone to check as to the best times to take both Medications as they can interact, l have just checked!

MrsN

[agingfeminist in reply to MrsNails]

Dear Mrs NThank you for replying and with such good advice.

So lovely to be in touch with someone and such an informative someone!.

[MrsNails in reply to agingfeminist]

Also l’d recommend a Natural Live Yogurt to help your ‘system’ after you’ve taken your Pred.

If you can use a disposable towel or a small flannel to dry your hands/feet & wash afterwards to prevent any cross infection spreading to other nails. Tea Tree Oil is very beneficial, l’m quite a fan, l don’t take it internally but use it as a hand wash & wipe my nails between repolishing my nails 💅🏼 You can buy the oil or the actual products containing them such as a skin wash.

The side effects of the Meds do read like a horror story but it did clear mine up 🙏🏼

[agingfeminist in reply to MrsNails]

I have live yogurt everyday with my pred.I have become so careful with my diet since I went on prednisone.

I will definitely try the tea tree oil.

How long did it take to clear up?

[MrsNails in reply to agingfeminist]

Mine was oral & became systemic, the Medication actually cleared it all up after multiple oral suspensions of various types, so hopefully it’ll work fairly speedily x