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Is It Safe To Discontinue Omnacortil Intake Once Started?
Question: I have been operated 4 years back for Pitutory macro adenoma when it started severely bleeding inside causing compression of my optical nerves and resulting in peripheral vision loss. I was suggested omnacatil 7.5 mg and slowly tapper it off in a span of one year by my neuro surgeon. When I totally stopped it after one year I became week disoriented and I was admitted in hospital in emergency where I was diagnosed with fall in sodium levels and adrenal insufficiency. Later my endocrinologist warned that I should never go with out steroids and he prescribed omnacortil 5mg once a day for life and in case if it is not possible to take it orally, it must be injected as enough steroid is being produced by my compromised pitutory. Is this true?
Brief Answer:
You need life-long supplements.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate, self-explanatory history.
Yes Sir.
This is very true.
Read and understood the problem. Since you have been taking Omnacortil for 4 years in the dosage you have mentioned, the body, its feedback mechanisms gets adjusted as per the dose you are taking. Hence stopping it will cause the symptoms of less glucocorticoids (steroids) in the body, as you had.
The Production of the Steroids from the adrenal cortex is regulated by CRH produced from the brain and ACTH produced by Pituitary gland. Since your Pituitary gland has been operated already, this controlling axis is disturbed and needs supplement as you are already taking.
As you know once any supplement is started it is difficult to stop; hence the need of Omnacortil in the said dosage.
You already had the attack of low sodium, and adrenal insufficiency. So please never take the risk of stopping it again.
Secondly, you are lucky that your requirement is quite a low dose.
Thirdly, it is advisable to take Calcium and Vitamin D-3 supplements in between, please discuss this with your Endocrinologist in your next visit.
I hope this answer helps you to clear your doubts and please feel free to ask for any further relevant queries if you have.
You need life-long supplements.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate, self-explanatory history.
Yes Sir.
This is very true.
Read and understood the problem. Since you have been taking Omnacortil for 4 years in the dosage you have mentioned, the body, its feedback mechanisms gets adjusted as per the dose you are taking. Hence stopping it will cause the symptoms of less glucocorticoids (steroids) in the body, as you had.
The Production of the Steroids from the adrenal cortex is regulated by CRH produced from the brain and ACTH produced by Pituitary gland. Since your Pituitary gland has been operated already, this controlling axis is disturbed and needs supplement as you are already taking.
As you know once any supplement is started it is difficult to stop; hence the need of Omnacortil in the said dosage.
You already had the attack of low sodium, and adrenal insufficiency. So please never take the risk of stopping it again.
Secondly, you are lucky that your requirement is quite a low dose.
Thirdly, it is advisable to take Calcium and Vitamin D-3 supplements in between, please discuss this with your Endocrinologist in your next visit.
I hope this answer helps you to clear your doubts and please feel free to ask for any further relevant queries if you have.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Chandrakant for the detailed answer...
Further,
1. What are the side effects I should expect with th Long term usage of steroids?
2. Can I expect any dosage changes in future?
Further,
1. What are the side effects I should expect with th Long term usage of steroids?
2. Can I expect any dosage changes in future?
Brief Answer:
This is a supplement dosage, so nothing to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Since the dose of Omnacortil is so less, it is almost minimal and is being used as a supplement I do not expect any side effects.
Considering your age of 63 I have recommended Calcium and Vitamin D 3 to be taken if your Endocrinologist thinks so.
If the physiology (homeostasis in medical language) remains same, there may not be any changes in the dosage in future, unless warranted so as in any other patient / person, like diseases, stressful events or so. It will be altered by your Endocrinologist if required.
This is a supplement dosage, so nothing to worry.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Since the dose of Omnacortil is so less, it is almost minimal and is being used as a supplement I do not expect any side effects.
Considering your age of 63 I have recommended Calcium and Vitamin D 3 to be taken if your Endocrinologist thinks so.
If the physiology (homeostasis in medical language) remains same, there may not be any changes in the dosage in future, unless warranted so as in any other patient / person, like diseases, stressful events or so. It will be altered by your Endocrinologist if required.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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