Cytoxan

[Sangye]

So why do so many start at 60mg?

Because the inflammation factor is so high for most initial cases and for so many flares. When I was first dx'ed, my lungs were massively bleeding. They did 1,000 mg IV solumedrol (1,250 mg pred) because my inflammation was through the roof.

It's very individual, and this is when a Wegs specialist is necessary to make the call. The regular rheumy's who consulted while I was hospitalized last summer wanted to start me on 80 mg pred. They were excellent rheumys, but not Wegs docs.

[JanW]

That's my question too -- seems to be the default for almost everyone on here -- 60 mg is the starting point, combined with cyto.

[Sangye]

LOL--Jan,I think we posted our replies at the same time.

60mg pred and ctx are the standard of care for active Wegs that is life-threatening. Using less powerful immunosuppressants or lower doses of pred have not had good results. Of course,the new rtx research turns it all on its head.

[elephant]

Thanks again Sangye. I had the pleasure of being on high doses of Prednisone many times...

[MCC]

Is cytoxan just another name for cyclophosamide? Or does cytoxan refer to the drug in tablet form?

I am having cyclo every two weeks via IV.

[RCOSSIO]

yes Ctx and Cyclo are the same.

[Sangye]

Elephant, being on high-dose pred once is a nightmare. Multiple times...you have my sympathy.

[Jack]

I was on the same dose of pred as Sangye when first diagnosed, I think they only use these levels when you are in really bad shape! Oddly, I had none of the problems associated with high doses (not that I was aware of anyway) and it just took away my symptoms and made me feel better. I could not understand why they would not let me out of hospital.

[Sangye]

Jack, I bet they just kept you there for your sense of humor.

[Jack]

I think they kept me on as unpaid staff. I felt so well most of the time that I started helping out. What I did not quite take in at the time was the extent of the damage that had happened to my body although the doctors did try to tell me. I think the high dose pred was damping my bodies reaction so much that I was not aware of it.