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Thread: Bactrim, Prednisone Taper, & Aspirin effect on kidneys

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    Default Bactrim, Prednisone Taper, & Aspirin effect on kidneys

    I have been taking 20 mg of prednisone for three months. My Rheumatologist and Specialist are starting a prednisone taper to 15 mg for three weeks, 10 mg for three weeks, 7.5 mg for three weeks, and then 5 mg. My rheumatologist has also taken me off bactrim now that I am below 20 mg of preds. Have any of the rest of ya'll been taken off bactrim? I also take methotrexate now as opposed to cellcept. My last lab results showed no active Wegener's antibodies in my system. My creatinine was 2.1 (blood) but normal in the urine scan. My doctors think my Creatinine was high because of a diuretic I had to take due to a bout with CHF. My heart is now pumping at a normal rate and I am holding the diuretic for a second creatinine test monday. I am also holding the methotrexate in case it is a kidney problem. My question, would taking an 81 mg low dose apsirin nightly for three months effect your kidneys? My creatinine was 1.4 in September and the 2.1 in November alarmed me. My creatinine has not been over 2.00 since May 2010. I had to have an increase in prednisone in May 2010 to bring my creatinine back down. I dont want to go back up on preds. How long do you stay on preds and at what mg dosage? I started out at 60 mg for 4 months then went to 40 mg then back up to 60 mg and was then tapered to 20 mg. Is is common to go up an down for a while until all is "normal"? I was diagnosed October 23, 2009. I have also gained weight on the preds.

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    It is common to go up and down on the pred and to also gain weight. I hope you have a Wegs Specialist or are consulting with one.

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    I take Bactrim permanently and no one has ever suggested that I should stop. I certainly noticed the improvement when I first started to take it.
    The general advice here in the UK is that it is dangerous to take asprin on a regular basis and it is strongly discouraged.
    Jack

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    I think that the research is back and forth on bactrim, particularly as relates to those of us with sinus issues. Feeling is that it may not help all, but is probably fairly benign at worst, helpful at best. I've never been on it, and it's never been suggested that I get on it, either to ward off infection or help with disease activity.

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    WGRebel, I don't know about the aspirin's effects on your kidneys (your neph should know), but I am alarmed at the high doses of pred you've been on for extended periods of time. Four months at 60mg is a very long time.

    It is common to bounce around on the pred dose a bit, but usually not at such high doses. That tells me the main immunosuppresant isn't strong enough or working properly.

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    WGrebel, yes I was thinking the same as Sangye . I am on Prednisone ( tapering slowly), Bactrim DS ( daily), cellcept, cycloporine to keep me in remission. I know Bactrim can cause the creatinine to go up, and need to drink alot of water. I was told to go on aspirin low dose daily because my lower left leg was bothering me, but it is fine now and I decided not to take it because of risk of bleeding and additional stomach problems. I think large amounts of apirin can cause kidney damage, but ask your kidney doctor.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    I take Bactrim permanently and no one has ever suggested that I should stop. I certainly noticed the improvement when I first started to take it.
    The general advice here in the UK is that it is dangerous to take asprin on a regular basis and it is strongly discouraged.
    Do you know why aspirin is dangerous for us? I used to take it before diagnosis of Wegener's but no one suggested I go back on it so I guess it isn't good for people with Wegener's disease.

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    I think the main concern is damage to the GI tract.

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    Yes, as Sangye says, the main concern with extended use is damage to the stomach.
    Jack

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