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Prednisone & Calcium

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Posted 6/9/2020 9:56 AM (GMT -5)
Hi again,

I was told to take a Calcium supplement due to Prednisone side effects. I have been taking 1200mg per day. I took my last dose of Prednisone yesterday. Do I continue with the Calcium supplement? Maybe just until all the Prednisone is out of my system (not sure how long that is)?

Thank you,
Posted 6/9/2020 8:53 PM (GMT -5)
There's no harm in taking a daily calcium supplement for a while. It will continue to slowly rebuild bone mass, along with light excercise and vitamin D. How many days you have left of calcium tablets? Maybe finish the bottle of calcium off and then cease.

Pred itself clears from your body in less than 24 hours.
Posted 6/9/2020 9:17 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you. I wasn’t thinking and ordered a new little container of Calcium before finishing the current one. I probably have about 6 weeks worth in the new one plus about 3 days worth in the current container. I was expecting that it would make sense to take it for a week or two after finishing prednisone. I’ve read that excess calcium could have negative effects and wanted to check what the best way forward is.
Posted 6/10/2020 2:51 AM (GMT -5)
Ideally you would want a bone density scan to see if you need calcium but that is expensive and I believe only warranted after 3+ cumulative months of prednisone use. I think i take 500mg per day calcium and have been doing for 3 years. I have to take it long term as I got severe osteoporosis from pred. I can't take a higher dose as I get stomach upsets.
Posted 6/10/2020 9:14 AM (GMT -5)
If you've used Prednisone for 1+ years cumulative then a dexa bone scan makes sense. Less, no worries.
Posted 6/10/2020 9:16 AM (GMT -5)
I was on Prednisone for exactly 10 weeks. I'm thinking to reduce my calcium to half, so 600mg (+200 from the multivit = 800mg) for a week or two before relying only on the 200mg from my multivitamin and from food. I'm going to see if I can arrange a DEXA scan anyway.
Posted 6/10/2020 9:18 AM (GMT -5)
We responded at the same time, John. I was thinking of going for a DEXA scan to check my body fat and to get a baseline for my training (hoping to get back into it soon). Checking bone density would just be a bonus. I like having data and information anyway smile
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