WARNING: Please Pass This On!

Warning: Prednisone is being handed out like candy to children!

Hello, I am writing this post today in hopes to spread some awareness on what i see is nothing short of an epidemic. The drug prednisone has seemingly become prescribed as a standard procedure to common illnesses like the cold, bronchitis, & pneumonia. Even in children! Most of us know the risk of harmful side effects prednisone may have on our body, which is why i am bringing this to others attention. Is giving this drug to children really necessary? In the case of serious illness's it is completely understandable and can even save lives. But in the case of children with bronchitis and other common illnesses i see it as completely unnecessary in children and adults alike.

I was given a 7 day dose of prednisone because i had inflammation of my trachea and the side effects were horrible! The severe side effects lasted 4 weeks and minor side effects lasted 8 weeks. There were periods where my heart rate was at an excess of 200bpm, the side effects were so severe i had to make two trips to the E.R. and was put on several medications to control the side effects. Insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, blood sugar roller coaster...needless to say i believe the negatives outweighed the positives by far in my personal experience. That was over 3 months ago and since I've had 2 sinus infections and 2 colds (this drug can and will suppress your immune system). You could only imagine how horrible this would feel to a child if they were to have a similar experience!

So when i found out my step son who is only age 5 was prescribed prednisone to treat his bronchitis and flu i was a bit taken back! Only to also hear of several other children i knew at the very same time who were also given prednisone to treat similar illnesses. I am living proof that even small doses for short periods of time can cause very harmful side effects. Why take the chance with our childrens well being! Its up to us as parents to say NO, i will not give this drug to my child unless it is necessary! I am not a medical professional, just a concerned mother. This is merely my personal advice. I just want you to simply ask yourself IS IT WORTH IT?

What to do: Tell your doctor NO to prednisone, you do not want to risk your childs well being! Or simply don't fill the prescription.

Spread this information to your family and friends! The word must get out!