$Unique_ID{BRK01290}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Stopping Cortisone Medication}
$Subject{breathing medication cortisone respiratory system medications breathe
corticosteroids medicine medicines cortisones corticosteroid pulmonary systems
breath pharmaceutical pharmaceuticals}
$Volume{H-5,R-5}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Stopping Cortisone Medication


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My doctor has kept me on cortisone medications for a long time now,
due to problems with my breathing.  I can breathe alright now, and since I
have learned that the medications are dangerous, I just want to quit, before
any damage is done.  Can I do that by myself?  It is hard to keep going to the
doctor's office.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Medications should be given for a specific reason, when the chance
they can do some good far outweighs the possible problems from side effects.
Cortisone like medications (corticosteroids, for accuracy sake) are powerful
medications, and do enormous good, such as helping you breath, but just
stopping this medication on your own is unwise.  Your body needs to adapt, and
so a schedule of cutting back gradually is advisable.  This can be
accomplished by reducing dosages, skipping one pill during a day, or other
such strategies that require the supervision of your doctor.  Since this may
be a delicate process, you are going to need help.  And have you considered
the possibility that the condition might flare up again?  You may still need
your physician, though you are doing well now.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.