$Unique_ID{BRK01379}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Is Cortisone for Rheumatoid Arthritis Dangerous?}
$Subject{arthritis pain cortisone}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Cortisone for Rheumatoid Arthritis Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  I am having terrible troubles with my rheumatoid arthritis.  We
have tried all the painkillers and stuff, but now my doctor is prescribing
cortisone.  My friends are all telling me not to take it for it is too
dangerous.  I need your straight thinking to help me decide.  Please?

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ANSWER:  Forty years ago, when cortisone was first discovered, it was
considered the new wonder drug.  It was capable of allowing people
incapacitated due to rheumatoid arthritis to actually get out of bed.  The
media played it up, and there were photos in the press of people doing jigs,
who can hardly move before cortisone therapy.
     Now it has fallen in the eyes of the public from "miracle cure" to
"dreaded drug" to be taken now only as an alternative to death.  Well,
like any powerful drug, it must be carefully administered or its side
effects will far outweigh any benefits derived.
     Today, we use synthetic derivatives called corticosteroids, which are
less prone to troublesome side effects.  But they're still there, and include
the minor ones like a rounding of the face, and growth of facial hair, and a
tendency to bruise easily.  The severe adverse affects are suppression of the
body's immune system, retarded growth in children, ulcers, aggravation of
pre-existing diabetes, and a thinning of the bones with possible vertebrae
collapse.  Now these are the reasons cortisone has gained its somewhat dubious
reputation as a drug to be avoided at all cost.  But we've discovered that its
side effects can usually be controlled.  Rather than giving it as daily
therapy, it can be administered in a low-dose, 48-hour pattern.  Cortisone can
also be used briefly, until one of the slower acting arthritic drugs has had
time to work.  Certainly there are patients with diabetes, ulcers,
tuberculosis, who should not be considered for cortisone therapy.  But in
many, many cases this powerful medication offers the promise of real relief,
and an effective solution to a serious problem.  So careful dosage and
scrutiny by your physician will give you all the benefits the drug is so
famous for and none of its notorious side effects.
ÿ
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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.
