← Return to Taking Prednisone for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Discussion

Taking Prednisone for Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Mar 10, 2017 | Replies (7)
Comment receiving replies
@kanaazpereira

Hello @kinky,

Welcome to Connect; we're so glad to have you here.

According to Mayo Clinic, having a low blood platelet count can indicate Thrombocytopenia, and prednisone is prescribed as it may help raise your platelet count by decreasing the activity of your immune system. You can read more about it here:
http://mayocl.in/1R7wiGM

I'd also like to introduce you to @sebley12, @debdeb, @strongenough2011, @lisaa, who have discussed this condition and hope they will return with more information for you.

@kinky, what symptoms are you experiencing? Has your doctor explained the cause of the low platelet count?

Jump to this post

Replies to "Hello @kinky, Welcome to Connect; we're so glad to have you here. According to Mayo Clinic,..."
kinky | @kinky | Mar 10, 2017

I was diagnosed with ITP about 8 years ago. I am weaning off Prednisone, didn't raise platelets - cutting 5 mg a week from 60 mg & now at 15 mg. I have had 3 Rituxan infusions, one week apart, and will have the 4th & final one on Monday. So far, platelets are staying the same at 30,000. Has anyone had Rituxan? Did it work for you? Did you get an immediate response or did it take awhile for platelets to come up?

VIEW AND REPLY
angelard | @angelard | Mar 10, 2017

My hematologist hinted Rituxan's effect is not as fast as prednisone (with prednisone, one can expect platelet to bump in by 10 weekly when on 1mg/kg weight). That is why I am still on (tapering) prednisone, as a support for platelet. Also slow tapering is necessary so I dont become more psychotic....been told by my son I have RoidBrain!!
I remember being told one can see result from Rituxan about 2 weeks after the last infusion?
I sympathize with you being on 60mg prednisone - I opted to daily frequent blood sugar checks and using walking (1/2 hr only) to lower the sugar. Of course diet is big part too. Not easy but now a semi- pro in dealing with this monster or wonder drug of the 20th century!
Forge ahead and look for sunshine when cloud dissipate! Not unusual when you feel so down and so much in disbelief!
A

VIEW AND REPLY