Comparing Leukeran vs Prednisone

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Took 6 months to bring my count down from 149,000

For Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: I have been taking Leukeran since 11-19-2002 with no side effects, to treat CLL. Currently I am taking 2mg three times per week. My white count is staying under 19K. I have no symptoms of the CLL. The alternative is chemotherapy, and I said no way. Leukeran is keeping my Leukemia in check.

For Inflammatory Conditions: My mother has been on prednisone for almost four years for polumyalgia/rheumatica. We found out recently that the reason she was in such horrible back pain and could hardly walk was the extended use of prednisone. The MRI showed she had actual cracks in her spine. We are still in shock. This cannot be reversed. Even though people feel fine and really on top of the world the end result is devastating. So now we are dealing with even more pain not even associated with Polymyalgia. She will never recover from this. Everyone is different, but please look at the cons of the medicine before taking. Beware!

For Inflammatory Conditions: I took prednisone 20mg for 3 years for Autoimmune Hepatitis and it definitely helped bring down my AST/ALT. I even saw regression of cirrhosis (by fibroscan). Side effects included increased appetite, weight gain (20lb max), moon face, hair started growing curly instead of straight, more severe infections (especially GI), and trouble regulating emotions. I didn't complain though, as I knew it was keeping me alive!