To help stop your immune system from destroying your platelets, your doctor or nurse may first prescribe a medicine called a corticosteroid (core-ti-co-STEER-oid). Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid that your doctor may prescribe. These medicines slow the rate at which the immune system destroys platelets. Talk with your doctor and nurse about which treatment is right for you.
Corticosteroids are different from anabolic or androgenic steroids
Anabolic and androgenic steroids are used to build muscle. When misused, anabolic or androgenic steroids can harm the heart, liver, and skin.
Some studies suggest ITP patients who do not respond to therapy and have a persistently low platelet count of less than 30,000 have an increased risk of serious complications. So, it is important to talk with your doctor and nurse about how the medicines you are taking are working for you. This will help them decide whether it is time to consider new treatment options for you.
