Licorice

I could be wrong, but I thought it has a reaction with prednizone. Anybody else know?

Glad I don't like licorice. But am having more than is sensible vis a vis alcohol on this day. Well it is Christmas.

have a great time all.

Ron

Wow, never heard...but looked it up and the herb has antiinflammatory actions as prednisone.  The candies made of licorice are probably mostly sugar. I can't imagaine there being much true licorice in there, but I'm NO expert.  

But glad you posted just for something new to learn. 

Sometimes I used the DGL licorice for my stomach.  Hmmm.

Having GCA and because on Pred I avoid sweets, sodium, carbs, etc etc

The steroid by itself increases the glucose sodium levels. As carbs and alcohol become sugar they are on the no-no list as well.

Yesterday I ate two mini blueberry scones though and enjoyed them immensely!!

As in regular basis the recommended diet is followed, I give myself permission to have 'little pleasures' now and then, exactly as you did.

As my rheumy says - " everything in moderation!"

xxxx

Licorice can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) and muscle weakness. The amount of licorice needed to do this can vary from person to person depending on their medications and other medical problems. Licorice extracts are frequently in homeopathic type medications, especially those from China, so it is hard to quantify how much is safe to eat. It has an adrenal suppressing effect, similar to Prednisone.

Here is the link to the last thread discussing this:

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/liquorice-and-prednisolone--427127

there are 50 replies so there's a fair bit of info and experience there!

A couple of ladies reported they'd had bad headaches - that went when they stopped the licorice. They were, however, using it every day in the form of tea or to soothe gastric problems.

This is very interesting.  Years ago a naturopath recommended licorice to me, I can't remember why but it was probably because of aches and pains which I associated with OA or possible my dry itchy skin.  As I recall, she said it would help my adrenal glands. As I detest it I did some research and decided I wouldn't take it because of a family history of brain haemorhage, thinking it could be dangerous.  With the PMR diagnosis I found information which reminded me that it was supposedly helpful for adrenal function and wondered if at some point I might want to try it after all.  On balance it seems prudent to let that particular sleeping dog lie!  

I think it's bad for blood pressure, the same as Rhubarb, I was told, so I don't eat either now.

i hope I'm wrong now that you've eaten it. Haha😺. 🙀. 

OK, one of my guilty pleasures is OUZU which is licorice. RRAAATTTZZZZ

http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2383-0,1936-0

Interactions between your selected drugs

Moderate

prednisone  licorice

Applies to: prednisone, licorice

Ask your doctor before using licorice together with predniSONE. Products containing licorice (glycyrrhizic acid) can cause high blood pressure as well as salt and water retention. Prolonged treatment with predniSONE can also have these effects. Generally, you should avoid or limit the consumption of licorice if you are being treated with predniSONE for more than just a few days. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure those products do not contain licorice or glycyrrhizic acid, which may be found in licorice-flavored chewing gum or candy, chewing tobacco, certain ethnic foods and beverages, and some herbal diuretics or laxatives. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.