Coping with Prednisone, Revised and Updated

by Julie R. Ingelfinger, Eugenia Zukerman, M.D. Ingelfinger, Julie R.

Book Overview

Approximately one million Americans per year take high doses of prednisone and related drugs. While these medicines may be necessary to treat serious illnesses, they may also have unpleasant, and even devastating, side effects, including changes in mood, weight, and physical strength, and vulnerability to infection.

In 1997, after acclaimed flutist Eugenia Zukerman was prescribed prednisone for a rare lung disease, she teamed up with her...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312375603
• ISBN13: 9780312375607
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

I thought I was alone in my Prednisone Side Efeects

I was looking for a book to help explain the side effects from the prednisone, that I've been on for the last 14 year's due to asthma that I have had my entire life. None of the doctor's were willing to give up the answer for some unknow reason. When I started read this wonderful book I said to myself, Oh My God, someone actually wrote a book on everything I was wondering about. The more I kept reading the more I understood how to deal with this awful but life saving drug. I wish I could say thank you to Eugenia and Julie in person. I belong to two asthma chat groups online through the internet. I have recommended this book to everyone. And mostly everyone has baught the book. Although I may never be able to get off steroids, as I've been told by my doctor's at least I have a better understanding about Prednisone. I recommend this book to everyone with asthma and other illnesses that require prednisone. It's the best book.

Help available to those on Prednisone

I cannot believe it has taken me so long to find this book. I am a long term prednisone user and am always looking for information about this drug, it's side effects and ways to cope with all those "things" prednosone does. The authors have compiled a wealth of information, including personal experiences, in a very concise easy to read book. (This in itself is signifacant to those of us with problems concentrating!) This book contains very accurate discriptions of the effects of long term prednisone use along with very practical advice on how to cope with the changes that occur. I could identify with many situations presented and found some very helpful advice. The advice is given by a prednosine user as well as a physician.I would (and do) recommend this book to anyone beginning their treatment with prednosone, those who have been on prednisone and most of all to the family members and care givers of those on this "miracle" drug.

Excellent Book

Having been prescribed 60 mg's of prednisone a day for IBD, and experiencing a lot of the nastier pschological side effects, I found this book a great source of comfort. Both co-authors take turns writing in the first person; the patient describes her personal experience and the doctor discusses the medical aspects of those experiences. This is an effective strategy that is simultaneously reassuring and informative.From what I've read, there is in fact little that can be done to mitigate the side effects of long term, high dosage prednisone use. This book's value lies not in providing a miracle remedy for alleviating prednisone side effects. Rather, the book provides a source of reassurance for those having to suffer through the effects of steriod therapy.

A must have book for people who take prednisone.

I started a megadose 12 year adventure with prednisone in August, 1985; I am still suffering the after effects. The adventure continued for an average of 10 months out of each of the 12 years. My doctor provided some information about the side effects but nothing like what was detailed in this book. I only wish I had this book. This book provides invaluable help in knowing what to expect and, most importantly, how to handle the devestating side effects. Perhaps I would not have had an enormous weight gain and loss of a relationship if I had the book. I will highly recommend this book to anyone I meet who must take prednisone and, I am sending a copy to my doctor. Three cheers and one million thanks to the authors.

Outstanding and comprehensive

A small, yet ever so comprehensive book which provides detailed medication information, as well as a much needed description of the patient's experience/perspective while on long-term prednisone therapy. From diet guidelines,mood swings, possible side-effects (both short and long-term), resources, and effects of withdrawal, the authors have provided concrete information interlaced or interwoven with the patient's experience. In this case, the patient, Ms.Zukerman, has, I feel, captured the essence of the experience, which may either validate other patient's experiences, or, minimally, provide support for what can be a very isolating situation. Each patient, of course, will react/respond to prednisone in their own specific or particular manner, which is dependent on many variables. (The disease itself, personality characteristics, amount and duration of the medication.) For some, seeking only concrete information, the book provides that in a clear, succinct manner. For others, who experience mood swings, difficulty with coordination, cognitive functioning, and physical side effects caused by the medication, it is Ms.Zukerman's ability to convey the experience which makes this book outstanding.The book should be read by patients before they embark on long term prednisone therapy, and by family members, as well. Any physician who places patients on prednisone should, I believe, read Ms.Zukerman's account. Thanks to the authors for this much needed book !