Losing the popularity contest Researchers in The Netherlands just wrapped up a study that "proved" something you and I could have told them long ago: People don't want to take prednisone. Especially not on a continuous basis, which is what many mainstream physicians prescribe for cases of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the lead researcher, "Dislike for prednisone seems to be strong and widespread." They blame prednisone's less-than-stellar reputation on misinformation regarding the steroid's side effects. Just to avoid any possible "misinformation" I looked up the side effects associated with prednisone as they appear on the National Institutes of Health website. According to the NIH, prednisone may cause: - headache
- dizziness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- inappropriate happiness
- extreme changes in mood
- changes in personality
- bulging eyes
- acne
- thin, fragile skin
- red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
- slowed healing of cuts and bruises
- increased hair growth
- changes in the way fat is spread around the body
- extreme tiredness
- weak muscles
- irregular or absent menstrual periods
- decreased sexual desire
- heartburn
- increased sweating
And these are just the "mild" side effects. They go on to list 23 more "serious" adverse reactions, not the least of which include difficulty breathing, seizures, and "loss of contact with reality." Even when half of the study participants on prednisone reported that they disliked taking it, the researchers skirted around the issue, implying that this opinion was largely psychosomatic and that "there is a need for better patient education about the efficacy…of steroids." I don't know about you, but they can educate me about how great steroids are until the cows come home, but knowing that they're supposed to work wonders is hardly consolation for the uncontrollable shaking, extreme swelling, and other problems I could potentially face. Particularly when there are many safe, natural alternatives that are just as effective as prednisone (if not more so). To read Dr. Wright's advice on managing rheumatoid arthritis without steroids or other patent medications, Nutrition & Healing readers can refer back to the bonus report titled "Dr. Wright's New Secrets for Success with Arthritis," which they received when they began their subscription. If you don't still have your copy, you can also download and view the report for free online by visiting www.wrightnewsletter.com and logging on with the username and password listed on page 8 of your most recent issue. (And if you're not already a subscriber, the website also offers details on how to become one.) Source:
"Many arthritis patients not happy with prednisone," Reuters health news, 9/7/07 | 
