Prednisone causes glaucoma?
Question:
Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other corticosteroids. LR Botros, Pharm.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… >I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to >35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and >rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. >The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious >side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. >Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my >optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me >on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me >started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. >Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the >glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. >What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis >without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. >Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking >prednisone or other steroids? >– >John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
That’s great, John. John Steiner <jjstei…@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3772FF90.95573CA@earthlink.net… Good news!, a follow-up on my previous message: Okay, so it’s not all good. Let me get the bad news out of the way first. The glaucoma that came on suddenly recently left some small blind spots in my left eye, and my eye doc told me today that the damage is irreversible. The good news on the glaucoma front is that the meds I started last Friday and Monday lowered my intraocular pressure from 40 (really high) to 14 (low side of normal) in just a few days. I’ll be staying on these meds and get periodic checkups to make sure the pressures stay down. Also, the foggy/blurred vision has improved significantly, much closer to normal now. I also saw my rheumy today, and we’re pleased with my progress on the vasculitis treatment. For one thing, the chemo treatments apparently were quite effective on reducing my sed rate. It went from 111 in Jan to 16 (normal) as of a couple of weeks ago. Tomorrow, I start oral methotrexate. The dosage will be 15mg for the time being. I will also be taking folic acid. That devil prednisone will go from 35mg/day to 32.5 tomorrow, then 30 in two weeks, and will continue to taper. Overall, mixed blessings, but I’m happy with my progress, and I wanted to share some good news with everyone. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Steiner wrote: > I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to > 35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and > rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. > The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious > side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. > Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having > problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my > optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me > on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me > started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. > Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the > glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. > What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis > without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. > Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking > prednisone or other steroids? > — > John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
– John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com) Answers to FAQ: M 59 MN RA and vasculitis since 1998
Response:
In article <7l43tq$3j…@nntp4.atl.mindspring.net>, "TABA" <taba…@mindspring.com> wrote: > Some health care professionals disclose more than others. Some believe that > if patients knew all the possible or even probable side effects of a drug, > that they would not take it. Others believe that knowledge is power, and > that every patient has a right to know what is going into their body, and > what to expect.
You can always try to make it clear that you want to know. All the MDs I’ve dealt with have been very good about talking to me. One thing that helps is that I have a list of the eyedrops I’ve used, which helps reduce my confusion between Trusopt or Timpotic or Jar-Jar-Binks-Opt or whatever the drug companies have chosen for the name of their latest eyedrop. Knowing the terms speeds the conversation, which can be especially helpful in dealing with a resident: these people are overworked and underslept at almost every hospital in the US, and are always caught between doing a good job with *you* and doing a good job with everyone else. Being interested is actually a plus for some of them. A friend of mine told me, during her residency, that she actually appreciated people asking about the drugs she prescribed. Not all MDs want to be god: it’s an uncomfortable role, since it means you can never be seen to be fallible. Having said that, there are MDs who don’t want to talk to patients and, in an era of managed health care, it’s often difficult to shop around. I hope that isn’t the case for you. Good luck.
Response:
On Fri, 25 Jun 1999 14:43:56 GMT, asba…@monmouth.com (Alynn Baker) wrote: >On Thu, 24 Jun 1999 22:04:38 -0400, tin___man <tin___…@hotmail.com> >wrote: >>It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist >>(before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it >>through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe >>the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. >>Tin-man
A standard after-the-fact behavior of OMDs. Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -……….
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -TABA wrote in message … >Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other >corticosteroids. >LR Botros, Pharm.D. >John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… >>I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to >>35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and >>rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. >>The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious >>side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. >>Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having >>problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my >>optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me >>on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me >>started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. >>Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the >>glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. >>What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis >>without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. >>Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking >>prednisone or other steroids? >>– >>John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
Some health care professionals disclose more than others. Some believe that if patients knew all the possible or even probable side effects of a drug, that they would not take it. Others believe that knowledge is power, and that every patient has a right to know what is going into their body, and what to expect. L.R. Botros – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -tin___man wrote in message <3772E3B6.4DF87…@hotmail.com>… >It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist >(before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it >through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe >the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. >Tin-man >TABA wrote: >> Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other >> corticosteroids. >> LR Botros, Pharm.D. >> John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… >> >I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to >> >35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and >> >rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. >> >The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious >> >side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. >> >Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having >> >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my >> >optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me >> >on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me >> >started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. >> >Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the >> >glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. >> >What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis >> >without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. >> >Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking >> >prednisone or other steroids? >> >– >> >John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
My doctor is well aware that every few years I buy a new PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference). I take NOTHING until I have read about it. Maybe that’s why he tells me so much up front. I may be obsessive, but I even take the book with me if I have to go into the hospital for anything. Actually did have a nurse bring me the wrong medication once. Teri T2, diet & exercise, 4/99 TABA <taba…@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:7l43tq$3jm$1@nntp4.atl.mindspring.net… Some health care professionals disclose more than others. Some believe that if patients knew all the possible or even probable side effects of a drug, that they would not take it. Others believe that knowledge is power, and that every patient has a right to know what is going into their body, and what to expect. L.R. Botros – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -tin___man wrote in message <3772E3B6.4DF87…@hotmail.com>… >It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist >(before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it >through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe >the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. >Tin-man >TABA wrote: >> Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other >> corticosteroids. >> LR Botros, Pharm.D. >> John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… >> >I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to >> >35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and >> >rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. >> >The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious >> >side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. >> >Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having >> >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my >> >optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me >> >on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me >> >started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. >> >Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the >> >glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. >> >What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis >> >without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. >> >Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking >> >prednisone or other steroids? >> >– >> >John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
On 23 Jun 1999 12:19:49 GMT, halt…@aol.com (Bryan Halter) wrote: ……… >Tin Man thoughtfully added the number one method of responding, by the way: >>I pray that God will give you some >>kind of relief.<
When I was small they attached the term ‘number one’ to a meaning. Is that what you mean? I think they do say "God speed, don’t they." >John wrote: >>I’ve been on Prednisone since January >… The pred greatly reduced my (rheumatoid arthritis) symptoms, but there have >been serious side effects. The latest one is glaucoma…I have been having >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my optometrist >last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes.< >(Others may be interested in noting the foggy vision symptom that in the past >has been pointed out to accompany glaucoma at times.)
Maybe you have to have an IOP up around 40 in order to experience it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Longer time readers of this board may recall the discussion on the role of the >adrenal system in glaucoma. We’ve discussed this several times, recently in >connection with the book by Emanuel Josephson, MD, Medical Treatment of >Glaucoma with Cortin, in which he recognizes, though controversially and with >some approaches refuted by others in his field, that the condition of the >adrenals is related to eye health. >Prednisone is used as a "glucocorticoid," a substance produced in the adrenal >CORTEX (the root of the coined word "Cortin" included in the book title >mentioned above). A problem with adrenal function MAY be involved in the >musculoskeletal problems of the Tin Man and John which led to their current >treatment. >If I were in the situation of either of these individuals, I would want to know >as much as possible about how my adrenal system was functioning, what my blood >tests show regarding potassium, sodium and cholesterol and how my blood >pressure is behaving sitting, standing and lying. There might be signs of an >inadequacy of sodium, or allergy, or irritation of the nasal passages. There >also could well be signs of stress of various types being endured. A complete >systems check by a highly competent doctor is called for.
That’s one with a stressometer. >It is always far >better to treat the underlying causes rather than the symptoms.
Deep thought there too. >Note, too, from page 16 of Dr. Josephson’s book dealing with blind spots, "One >zone of nerve fibers can be restored by Cortin (the naturally occuring hormone >found in normal adrenal glands) plus high doses of B vitamins; the most >striking recoveries of field of vision that I have observed have been in cases >of spastic glaucoma
His own invention? Never saw that term referred to elsewhere (or else referred to as ‘pseudoglaucoma’, ‘mock glaucoma’ or ‘temporary glaucoma’.) >in which the loss of the field was caused by spasms of the >blood vessels of the retina." (FYI there have been some interesting discussions >in sci.med.nutrition on restoration of danaged nerves.)
CNS ones or otherwise. Damaged ones or dead ones. >Please do not consider this "medical advice," only some things to think about >and issues that can be discussed with physicians who are familiar with your >overall cases.
Hopefully such thinking does not exacerbate glaucoma. Ray
Response:
I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to 35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking prednisone or other steroids? — John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
As always, some well thought out information from a thoughtful person… ie.. Hal. Thanks, BTW, I have extensive medical checks. (physicals) with.blood work etc once a year and have very good cholestreol levels, blood pressure etc… but he’s right it is important to have a check for anything that can be a factor in a disease. I think the glaucoma I am dealing with is more of a heredity problem (my mother also has normal pressure glaucoma). Tin___man – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Halterb wrote: > A combined response to messages from the Tin Man and John Steiner concerning > the effect of prednisone on the eyes. > Tin Man wrote: > >I have heard also that prednisone can cause glaucoma and guess what, I have > >this year been diagnosed with glaucoma after taking 3 or 4 runs of > >prednisone for back problems and poison ivy.< > Tin Man thoughtfully added the number one method of responding, by the way: > >I pray that God will give you some > >kind of relief.< > John wrote: > >I’ve been on Prednisone since January > … The pred greatly reduced my (rheumatoid arthritis) symptoms, but there have > been serious side effects. The latest one is glaucoma…I have been having > problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my optometrist > last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes.< > (Others may be interested in noting the foggy vision symptom that in the past > has been pointed out to accompany glaucoma at times.) > Longer time readers of this board may recall the discussion on the role of the > adrenal system in glaucoma. We’ve discussed this several times, recently in > connection with the book by Emanuel Josephson, MD, Medical Treatment of > Glaucoma with Cortin, in which he recognizes, though controversially and with > some approaches refuted by others in his field, that the condition of the > adrenals is related to eye health. > Prednisone is used as a "glucocorticoid," a substance produced in the adrenal > CORTEX (the root of the coined word "Cortin" included in the book title > mentioned above). A problem with adrenal function MAY be involved in the > musculoskeletal problems of the Tin Man and John which led to their current > treatment. > If I were in the situation of either of these individuals, I would want to know > as much as possible about how my adrenal system was functioning, what my blood > tests show regarding potassium, sodium and cholesterol and how my blood > pressure is behaving sitting, standing and lying. There might be signs of an > inadequacy of sodium, or allergy, or irritation of the nasal passages. There > also could well be signs of stress of various types being endured. A complete > systems check by a highly competent doctor is called for. It is always far > better to treat the underlying causes rather than the symptoms. > Note, too, from page 16 of Dr. Josephson’s book dealing with blind spots, "One > zone of nerve fibers can be restored by Cortin (the naturally occuring hormone > found in normal adrenal glands) plus high doses of B vitamins; the most > striking recoveries of field of vision that I have observed have been in cases > of spastic glaucoma in which the loss of the field was caused by spasms of the > blood vessels of the retina." (FYI there have been some interesting discussions > in sci.med.nutrition on restoration of danaged nerves.) > Please do not consider this "medical advice," only some things to think about > and issues that can be discussed with physicians who are familiar with your > overall cases. > (Not a professional response)
Response:
While I haven’t been on prednison I was taking Soma, a muscle relaxant for about 10 years due to RSD. I could see my vision was affected, though nothing showed up in tests. They said my pressure was high, but it wasn’t OAG. In April of this year, the same doctor said I have OAG.
Response:
On Wed, 23 Jun 1999 22:28:43 -0400, tin___man <tin___…@hotmail.com> wrote: >As always, some well thought out information from a thoughtful person… ie.. Hal. >Thanks, >BTW, I have extensive medical checks. (physicals) with.blood work etc once a year >and have very good cholestreol levels, blood pressure etc… but he’s right it is >important to have a check for anything that can be a factor in a disease. I think >the glaucoma I am dealing with is more of a heredity problem (my mother also has >normal pressure glaucoma). >Tin___man
Thinking can be hazardous to one’s health — even in Oz.
Response:
About ready to pull my hair out here. About 3 years ago, my optometrist found a blind spot in my peripheral vision. Pressures are always about 16. Opthalmologist said it could be low-pressure glaucoma, but it could also be a twist in my optic nerve from severe myopia. SO, he took pics of the inner eye, and we let it go for the time. In my last exam, it was found that my peripheral vision is declining, so back to the opthalmologist. He was then pretty convinced it was low-pressure glaucoma. I went to another opthal. at Ohio State University to rule out any vascular problems. He confirmed glaucoma. In the meantime, my doctor had started me on Prednisone for asthma. A month ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes. (my cup runneth over, already. Stop, please!) When I saw my physician yesterday, I asked him about Prednisone and glaucoma. He already had a note in my chart to stop the Prednisone for that reason. So, am reducing gradually to get off of it. Everything is so linked together it’s hard to know what to do. Teri tin___man <tin___…@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3772E3B6.4DF87220@hotmail.com… It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist (before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. Tin-man – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -TABA wrote: > Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other > corticosteroids. > LR Botros, Pharm.D. > John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… > >I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to > >35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and > >rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. > >The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious > >side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. > >Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having > >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my > >optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me > >on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me > >started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. > >Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the > >glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. > >What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis > >without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. > >Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking > >prednisone or other steroids? > >– > >John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
On Fri, 25 Jun 1999 13:37:03 -0400, "Teri R." <t…@artswindow.org> wrote: >glaucoma. In the meantime, my doctor had started me on Prednisone for >asthma. A month ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes. (my cup runneth over, >already. Stop, please!) When I saw my physician yesterday, I asked him >about Prednisone and glaucoma. He already had a note in my chart to stop >the Prednisone for that reason. So, am reducing gradually to get off of it. >Everything is so linked together it’s hard to know what to do.
Prednisone can cause your blood glucose levels to raise, so stopping it may well help with the diabetes. Steve http://www.zoomnet.net/~steve
Response:
On Fri, 25 Jun 1999 22:56:31 -0400, "TABA" <taba…@mindspring.com> wrote: >Some health care professionals disclose more than others. Some believe that >if patients knew all the possible or even probable side effects of a drug, >that they would not take it. Others believe that knowledge is power, and >that every patient has a right to know what is going into their body, and >what to expect.
I suspect a major factor in why MDs withold side-effect info on drugs is that, because a prime reason they’re in their business is to savor the role of "savior". If they inform their savee right off of possible side effects, that immediately dampens the glory of such role in both parties. I think they’d rather just chance it that no side effects will show up in the given case. Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -………..
Response:
John, I have heard also that prednisone can cause glaucoma and guess what, I have this year been diagnosed with glaucoma after taking 3 or 4 runs of prednisone for back problems and poison ivy. A real bummer to find out after the fact. They should have a warning label on the pack that states that this product can lead to glaucoma in some patients. Very sorry to hear you have so many things against you (your body). I pray that God will give you some kind of relief. Tin-man – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Steiner wrote: > I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to > 35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and > rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. > The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious > side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. > Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having > problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my > optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me > on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me > started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. > Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the > glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. > What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis > without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. > Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking > prednisone or other steroids? > — > John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
Response:
Teri wrote, in part: >About 3 years ago, my optometrist >found a blind spot in my peripheral vision. Pressures are always about 16. >Opthalmologist said it could be low-pressure glaucoma, but it could also be >a twist in my optic nerve from severe myopia. SO, he took pics of the inner >eye, and we let it go for the time. In my last exam, it was found that my >peripheral vision is declining, so back to the opthalmologist. He was then >pretty convinced it was low-pressure glaucoma. I went to another opthal. at >Ohio State University to rule out any vascular problems. He confirmed >glaucoma. In the meantime, my doctor had started me on Prednisone for >asthma.< >snip< > When I saw my physician yesterday, I asked him >about Prednisone and glaucoma. He already had a note in my chart to stop >the Prednisone for that reason. So, am reducing gradually to get off of it. >Everything is so linked together it’s hard to know what to do.<
Yes, Teri, everything IS so linked together, and the sooner that’s recognized and the underlying problems are dealt with, people will be far better off. In your case, note the allergy connection once again, with asthma. This would appear to suggest an adrenal system that is not functioning adequately and the need to look at it closely–blood pressure (perhaps low), electrolyte balance (sodium and potassium primarily) for starters. Attention should be given to getting away from whatever you are allergic to–dust, vegetation, animals, cosmetics, something in the work environment or whatever. Then, there may be too much stress of various sorts involved–least of all the stress of these health concerns. And don’t overlook a good diet high in nutrients supportive of the adrenal system. Let’s hope, and pray, that the problems you (and others) are facing are only warnings of something that needs to be corrected, and that once corrected, complete health WILL return. Best wishes and sincere encouragement. (Not a professional response)
Response:
A combined response to messages from the Tin Man and John Steiner concerning the effect of prednisone on the eyes. Tin Man wrote: >I have heard also that prednisone can cause glaucoma and guess what, I have >this year been diagnosed with glaucoma after taking 3 or 4 runs of >prednisone for back problems and poison ivy.<
Tin Man thoughtfully added the number one method of responding, by the way: >I pray that God will give you some >kind of relief.< John wrote: >I’ve been on Prednisone since January
… The pred greatly reduced my (rheumatoid arthritis) symptoms, but there have been serious side effects. The latest one is glaucoma…I have been having problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes.< (Others may be interested in noting the foggy vision symptom that in the past has been pointed out to accompany glaucoma at times.) Longer time readers of this board may recall the discussion on the role of the adrenal system in glaucoma. We’ve discussed this several times, recently in connection with the book by Emanuel Josephson, MD, Medical Treatment of Glaucoma with Cortin, in which he recognizes, though controversially and with some approaches refuted by others in his field, that the condition of the adrenals is related to eye health. Prednisone is used as a "glucocorticoid," a substance produced in the adrenal CORTEX (the root of the coined word "Cortin" included in the book title mentioned above). A problem with adrenal function MAY be involved in the musculoskeletal problems of the Tin Man and John which led to their current treatment. If I were in the situation of either of these individuals, I would want to know as much as possible about how my adrenal system was functioning, what my blood tests show regarding potassium, sodium and cholesterol and how my blood pressure is behaving sitting, standing and lying. There might be signs of an inadequacy of sodium, or allergy, or irritation of the nasal passages. There also could well be signs of stress of various types being endured. A complete systems check by a highly competent doctor is called for. It is always far better to treat the underlying causes rather than the symptoms. Note, too, from page 16 of Dr. Josephson’s book dealing with blind spots, "One zone of nerve fibers can be restored by Cortin (the naturally occuring hormone found in normal adrenal glands) plus high doses of B vitamins; the most striking recoveries of field of vision that I have observed have been in cases of spastic glaucoma in which the loss of the field was caused by spasms of the blood vessels of the retina." (FYI there have been some interesting discussions in sci.med.nutrition on restoration of danaged nerves.) Please do not consider this "medical advice," only some things to think about and issues that can be discussed with physicians who are familiar with your overall cases. (Not a professional response)
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It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist (before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. Tin-man – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -TABA wrote: > Well known, well documented side effect of prednisone, and other > corticosteroids. > LR Botros, Pharm.D. > John Steiner wrote in message <377022E0.57453…@earthlink.net>… > >I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to > >35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and > >rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. > >The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious > >side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. > >Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having > >problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my > >optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me > >on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me > >started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. > >Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the > >glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. > >What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis > >without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. > >Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking > >prednisone or other steroids? > >– > >John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
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> Some health care professionals disclose more than others. Some believe that > if patients knew all the possible or even probable side effects of a drug, > that they would not take it. Others believe that knowledge is power, and > that every patient has a right to know what is going into their body, and > what to expect.
Whenever starting a new drug, I think it’s best to do a little research on your own behalf rather than take for granted the doctor and pharmacist will tell you all you need to know. Libraries have the PDR available, and the same information is usually available on-line. We owe it to ourselves to learn all we can about our own conditions and the drugs we’re taking. — RiverRat sratliff-at-zoomnet-dot-net
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Good news!, a follow-up on my previous message: Okay, so it’s not all good. Let me get the bad news out of the way first. The glaucoma that came on suddenly recently left some small blind spots in my left eye, and my eye doc told me today that the damage is irreversible. The good news on the glaucoma front is that the meds I started last Friday and Monday lowered my intraocular pressure from 40 (really high) to 14 (low side of normal) in just a few days. I’ll be staying on these meds and get periodic checkups to make sure the pressures stay down. Also, the foggy/blurred vision has improved significantly, much closer to normal now. I also saw my rheumy today, and we’re pleased with my progress on the vasculitis treatment. For one thing, the chemo treatments apparently were quite effective on reducing my sed rate. It went from 111 in Jan to 16 (normal) as of a couple of weeks ago. Tomorrow, I start oral methotrexate. The dosage will be 15mg for the time being. I will also be taking folic acid. That devil prednisone will go from 35mg/day to 32.5 tomorrow, then 30 in two weeks, and will continue to taper. Overall, mixed blessings, but I’m happy with my progress, and I wanted to share some good news with everyone. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Steiner wrote: > I’ve been on Prednisone since January, starting at 60mg/day, tapered to > 35mg/day now. This was part of the treatment for my vasculitis and > rheumatoid arthritis, along with monthly chemo treatments. > The pred greatly reduced my RA symptoms, but there have been serious > side effects. The latest one is glaucoma. > Eleven months ago, my IOP was 16 in both eyes. I have been having > problems with foggy/blurred vision and blind spots, so I went to my > optometrist last week. She found IOP at 40 in both eyes, and started me > on Alphagan and got me in to a retina specialist yesterday. He got me > started on Timolol immediately, in addition to the Alphagan. > Both the optometrist and the retina specialist said flatly that the > glaucoma was steroid-induced, that the prednisone caused it. > What a hard place to be in! I’d be in terrible shape from the arthritis > without prednisone, but I don’t want to suffer vision loss, either. > Has anyone else been told that their glaucoma was due to taking > prednisone or other steroids? > — > John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com)
– John Steiner (a/k/a "rocky" on arthritis.about.com) Answers to FAQ: M 59 MN RA and vasculitis since 1998
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"Raymond A. Chamberlin" wrote: > Thinking can be hazardous to one’s health — even in Oz.
Which you obviously don’t do much of… <g>
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On Thu, 24 Jun 1999 22:04:38 -0400, tin___man <tin___…@hotmail.com> wrote: >It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist >(before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it >through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people, or maybe >the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. >Tin-man
I’ve used pred forte eye drops (prednisone in ophthalmic form) for many years due to recurring eposiodes of iritis (uveitis). My ophthalmologist, when discovering my high IOP and cataract formation over the last few years, mentioned that both the inflammations (iritis) and the treatment with pred-forte are large factors. I did a search on pred forte and came up with http://www.healthsquare.com/pdrfg/pd/monos/predfort.htm#WHAT.SIDES that mentions: Side effects may include: Cataract formation, increased pressure inside the eyeball, While you are using Pred Forte eyedrops, an eye doctor should check your intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eyeball) frequently, since steroids may increase this pressure. If increased pressure is allowed to continue, it may cause loss of vision.
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On Thu, 24 Jun 1999 22:04:38 -0400, tin___man <tin___…@hotmail.com> wrote: >It may be, but I have never once heard either a Physician or a Pharmacist >(before today) that ever said there is any correlation, though I had heard it >through the news before. Maybe they are simply not warning people,
SOP for MDs. Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->or maybe >the percentage is so low that it doesn’t register? Thank you…. >Tin-man
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On 25 Jun 1999 18:48:47 GMT, halt…@aol.com (Halterb) wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Teri wrote, in part: >>About 3 years ago, my optometrist >>found a blind spot in my peripheral vision. Pressures are always about 16. >>Opthalmologist said it could be low-pressure glaucoma, but it could also be >>a twist in my optic nerve from severe myopia. SO, he took pics of the inner >>eye, and we let it go for the time. In my last exam, it was found that my >>peripheral vision is declining, so back to the opthalmologist. He was then >>pretty convinced it was low-pressure glaucoma. I went to another opthal. at >>Ohio State University to rule out any vascular problems. He confirmed >>glaucoma. In the meantime, my doctor had started me on Prednisone for >>asthma.< >>snip< >> When I saw my physician yesterday, I asked him >>about Prednisone and glaucoma. He already had a note in my chart to stop >>the Prednisone for that reason. So, am reducing gradually to get off of it. >>Everything is so linked together it’s hard to know what to do.< >Yes, Teri, everything IS so linked together, and the sooner that’s recognized >and the underlying problems are dealt with, people will be far better off.
Well, I understand Clinton is now going to get Medicare to pay for all those expensive medicines that many oldsters cotemporaneously, so things will probably get worse before they get better. Ray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -……..
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