Answers please!!!!

[Deedrah]

Can someone give me an idea of a typical cycle of prednisone and cytoxan for a person with wegeners? Like how long they should be taken and how many milligrams. I know it is different depending on the person and condition but are there some guidelines to follow? I would appreciate any help or feedback. Thank you!

[Nadine99]

Hasn't your doctor or consultant given you this when prescribing?

[Deedrah in reply to Nadine99]

I know what she started out on. And I know what she is taking now. But that is only after I noticed my my mom's cognitive abilities were impaired. I asked a nurse if something had changed and after looking at her chart, it had been increased. The doctor tells me nothing and after reading about Wegners, I am concerned about her care. I do have an appt with a specialist but not for 2 more weeks.

[John_Mills Volunteer in reply to Deedrah]

Hi Deedrah, The initial treatment for GPA (Wegeners) usually involves a series of IV pulses of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) probably 6-8 pulses about 3 weeks apart. Alongside this,daily high dose oral steroids (prednisone), typically 30 - 60mg/day. This high dose pred can cause disorientation & temporary psychotic effects - mood swings - hyperactivity or depression.

[Deedrah in reply to John_Mills]

Thank you for your info. She takes the Cytoxan orally by tablet daily and is currently at 75 mgs. She is NOT herself. Could it be too much!

[Deedrah]

I should add that she takes cytoxan orally daily. She is at 75 mgs.

[AmyS1]

Oral is NOT recommended. Do speak to someone on the helpline number.

[Deedrah in reply to AmyS1]

Thank you. I'm learning as I go. This group has been so helpful.

[LouIeJA]

I was on the Prednisone for almost a full 10 months. Every month it was dropped by 2.5 mg from the original starting side until I reached the 2.5 mg daily dose for one month and then 2.5 every other day for a month. I just stop the Prednisone about two days ago. I have been experiencing and on and off cough which I think is related to coming off the Prednisone. Mostly when I'm laying down. I just got an inhaler today from my Pulmonary Doctor in hopes to lighten this cough up some.

Hope this helps