How long does it take cortisone injections to reach full strength? Also is it not recommended in renal failure and does it raise blood pressure and blood sugar differently than prednisone pills? Thanks a lot!

Hello Ms,Two corticosteroids for infiltration are primarily seen because of their affordability: Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) and Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate). Aristospan (tramcinolone hexacetonide) is also marketed in Canada, but its cost limits its use.Few studies exist regarding the drug's course in the blood of these drugs. It is known that the agents with the shortest duration of action reach peak concentrations in as little as 30 minutes and can be completely eliminated from the bloodstream in as little as one day. However, these characteristics vary greatly from product to product.Information regarding the duration of action of these agents is much clearer: Depo-Medrol works for an average of 8 days in the joint; Kenalog, 14 days; and Aristospan, 21 days. The relief offered by infiltrations often lasts longer than the duration of action. The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug decreases the inflammatory response and increases range of motion, paving the way for other therapies, such as physiotherapy, that can increase the chances of long-term recovery.For renal failure, these medications have the advantage of being used without special dose adjustments. Your doctor will prefer infiltration to oral anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisone, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), which are affected by renal failure and often have more side effects. The agents used in infiltration are also safer in terms of the increase in blood pressure and blood sugar than cortisone taken in tablets If you do not have an allergy to acetaminophen and are not taking other medications, Tylenol is a safe option. I encourage you to talk to your family pharmacist so that he or she can determine the best treatment option based on your medication profile.I hope I have answered your questions!Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist

Taking Tylenol, up to a maximum of 8 x 500mg tablets per 24 hours, is indeed safe when prednisone 60mg by mouth is taken. Other elements may be taken into account in the analysis of your pharmacological profile, but with the information that I have, it is possible to affirm that such an intake, for a few days, is safe.

The pleasure is all mine!

There are many questions in one, I will try to summarize as simply as possible! There are two main reasons for the careful use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Firstly, anti-inflammatory drugs increase blood pressure directly (by their harmful action on the body's mechanisms for dilating arteries, the pipes that carry blood to vital organs) and indirectly (by decreasing the effectiveness of certain anti-hypertensive drugs). On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs remove a protective mechanism from the kidney related to dehydration. Indeed, when the body is dehydrated (the circulating volume is then said to be reduced or there is roughly "less blood circulating"), the kidney ensures that it maintains sufficient pressure to supply the vital organs (heart, brain, liver, etc.). In the presence of anti-inflammatory drugs, one of the three main compensatory mechanisms is compromised, and the kidney will not be able to do its job properly. It may even damage itself.It is always important to consider the dose of anti-inflammatory drugs, the duration of treatment and other medications in the profile to determine the level of risk. Often the risk is minimal and the treatment will be safe. Your family pharmacist is in the best position to determine the level of risk and the steps to take to minimize the risks associated with taking an anti-inflammatory medication.

Diabetes itself is a risk factor for decreased kidney function. In these patients, caregivers will try to use the minimum effective dose of anti-inflammatory drugs to protect the kidneys. Cortisone itself is an anti-inflammatory drug, but it should be monitored more closely in diabetic patients because of its tendency to cause blood sugar levels to go out of whack. Increased monitoring of blood sugar levels is therefore required during the days of treatment

I hope I have been able to answer your questions clearly!I look forward to hearing from you,Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist