I want to pass on some advice that I read about on a website - if you are taking Calcium Tabs with Vit D do not take them the same time as your Prednisolone as they inhibit the absorption of the steroids.
Thanks Gillian - it has been on the forum in the past but it's always good to repost for newer members
Yes Gillian, it bears repeating, pred for breakfast, calcium for lunch.
When you are prescribed a new medication always check with the pharmacist and tell them what you are already taking. They will then tell you exactly how to take them.
It is best if you can use the same Chemist, they keep records particularly when you are on long term meds. Once a year they ask you call in and go through what you are currently taking.
Not only that, my Cousin who is 86 and cannot get to the chemists, our lovely Pharmacist comes and sees her at home.
I stopped taking mhy calcium tabs a couple of months ago when my calcium levels were deemed high. They are now even higher. I am not sure if I am even doing the right thing. Maybe the calcium tabs have nothing to do with the calcium level. I will not see my primary for two months. It was the rheumatologist who had his receptionist call me to tell me of the high level. I am also under the care of a cardiologist. I will see him on September 2nd. I will ask him about htis also. All of this stuff is so confusing. I was told my one member here to take K2 that it would help with the calcium level. It was 10.1 when I began those and now it is 11.4 which is quite high. Does anyone have any idea what's going on???? I know that it can mean parathyroid problems, cancer, tumors, even severe problems with the kidneys. Isn't the internet a great place to read all of these horrors? Yikes!!
Yes, good advice. I take mine at lunchtime and before I go to bed.
I have several long term prescriptions and always use the local chemist. They have never contacted me. Is this usual?
I was not aware of that. Can I take just my Vit D tabs with Prednisone?
Donna, yes these blood test results are often worrying. My calcium levels are always also high, but only just. I have stopped taking calcium tablets too to see if the reading comes down. I'll not know until middle of September. My husband needed to have his blood test repeated because his calcium levels were high, his GP said that sometimes if a patient is too nervous or stressed out that can also raise the calcium levels. Regards, tina
It needs to be investigated - not least because PMR can be a symptom of many things besides what we discuss here. I assume someone is going to check your parathyrooid hormone asap? Because that is one of the first things to look at.
That should be fine - it is a pred/calcium interaction that is the problem.
It is something we mention on a regular basis - but your pharmacy should point it out when you are known to be on both calcium and steroids. Doctors are often oblivious of the fact!
Thank you, Eileen.
It is a good idea to take something fatty with vit D such as yogurt to help absorption. I did read you should not drink tea with vit D I am not sure why not though.
Um, stress can lead to hyperventilation - but that lowers calcium levels I thought...
It's said that tea inhibits absorption of vitamins - but half an hour difference is enough to avoid the problem.
Tea apparently can elevate vit D levels in blood - not sure why.
Yes, I am sure that the parathyroid will be looked at. It can also cause kidney problems. My mother died of renal failure, so want them to be aware of that. I have been having some pains that I thought were heart related, I am now thinking they might be kidney related. I printed out a long article on hypercalcemia. My primary is not in on Fridays. I left a message with him as the rheumatologist's office were the ones that alerted me. I will be gone Sunday and Monday, so won't be able to set up any appointments until Tuescday. Hoping to get this looked at ASAP. In the meantime, I am going to be playing at Disneyland Sunday and Monday!!! That should get my mind off of things. LOL Well, my primary did call me. He told me to stop the prescription for the Pepcid (proton blocker). He said that can cause the calcium levels to go up. I will have a blood test in one month to see if it has gone down. He was glad that I had stopped the extra calcium and the D. Anyway, thanks for your expertise on this. Donna
Tea seems to have a mind of its own, I think I will stick to Remy Martin!
LOL I'll stick to my wine!!! :-)
Seems fair - but are you challenging MrsK for the title of Brandy Queen?
Oh right it's that way round. I wasn't sure. Thanks.
Absolutely!