Anemia

[Miacaro45]

I started on 80 mg of Prednisone in October of 2020. I am now taking 11 1/2 mg . I was just diagnosed with anemia. The last time I was diagnosed with anemia was in 2020 when I got GCA. I did not have anemia since then. Can taking Prednisone for almost 3 years be a cause of anemia? I will be going to see a hematologist to figure out what is occurring.

Thank you for your input and wise advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is very unlikely pred can be blamed for you having anaemia - they increase the haemoglobin level by reducing the inflammation that is leading to the anaemia of chronic illness.

Have you changed your diet? Or have you any signs of the inflammation increasing because you have reached a dose that is too low to control it if the underlying cause of the GCA is still active which is quite likely after only 2 1/2 years.

[Miacaro45 in reply to PMRpro]

My sedimentation and CRP are normal. I am a vegetarian who eats very little sugar, wheat and dairy. At this point, I am at a quandary. Guess I will wait to find out what is going on when I see a hematologist. Thank you for your swift reply.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miacaro45]

Sed rate and CRP can lag behind the development of inflammation so that isn't necessarily a guide - and being veggie can be a reason for anaemia. You sound to be approaching vegan eating habits with very few animal products at all with no dairy - and that can lead to anaemia because of lack of B12.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

The last time I was diagnosed with anemia was in 2020 when I got GCA. I did not have anemia since then..

In 2020 was that before you started the Pred? If so, why would you think that 3 years on drug has caused anemia now?… and as PMRpro has said very unlikely the cause.

As a vegetarian are you getting enough iron -rich foods? Do you take B12? …Anemia can become more of an issue as we age.

[Miacaro45 in reply to DorsetLady]

I started taking the Prednisone (80 mg) 3 years ago. I guess I am just looking for an answer. I have been a vegetarian for 25 years and my B 12 is quite adequate ( according to the latest blood test). I will be speaking to my primary and she will point me in the right direction.

Thank you for responding.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Miacaro45]

The anaemia 3 years ago was very probably due to the GCA - the pred rectified it. It is possible the inflammation that underlies the GCA symptoms is still present but not yet enough to cause symptoms.