Prednisone - Asthma Message Board

Whohov · 09-25-2003, 12:43 PM

Does anyone know what "long-term use of prednisone" means?

wrin · 09-25-2003, 08:30 PM

I would imagine it would mean taking it regularly for any extended period of time.

Like a matter of several months.

Kelly3581 · 10-10-2003, 01:21 AM

Long term use of prednisone refers to taking the medication for long periods of time. For example, if a person has VERY severe asthma, emphysema, COPD or things of that nature, and ususally for the elderly with these conditions, prednisone is given as a regular medication, daily for years. On the other side, you have asthmatics or people who get respiratory infections who have to end up taking the medication in "bursts" for short periods of time, usually a week or so. This may happen one or two times per year, but that is usually NOT considered long term use. Hope that helps =)

hotchic85 · 10-10-2003, 10:08 AM

I've been on steroids since the beginning of this year...there are some people who have been on like 2 mgs of pred for a long time, but that is usually not the case with asthma. At the moment, I am sitting at 30 mgs. There are lots of side effects for being on steroids for so long, and while you are on it you should take calcium (at least 1200 mgs) as a supplement.