Yes, both the severe COVID-19 infection itself and some of your medications can impact your calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Specifically, corticosteroids like methylprednisolone and Dexona (dexamethasone) can temporarily alter how your body processes calcium. Additionally, severe infections like COVID-19 frequently cause temporary drops in calcium levels. As your body recovers, it is not uncommon to see fluctuations in both calcium and PTH as your endocrine system works to restore its natural balance. Please share these results with your doctor so they can safely monitor your recovery and guide any needed supplements.

However, please do not stop Dexona (dexamethasone) suddenly. Even if he feels completely recovered, stopping a steroid abruptly can cause his symptoms to return or make him feel very unwell as his body adjusts. Steroids often need to be gradually reduced, or tapered, under a doctor's guidance. Please contact his prescribing doctor before making any changes; they will provide a safe schedule to taper the medication or confirm if it is safe to stop now. Keep giving it exactly as prescribed until you speak with them.

You do not need an urgent, same-day appointment unless you are experiencing severe discomfort. However, because abruptly stopping medications like Dexona (dexamethasone) is not recommended, I encourage you to contact your doctor's office today. They can safely guide you on whether to refill your prescriptions?including Azimac, Effipan, and your topical treatments like Secalia and Clomic?or if they would prefer to see you for a quick follow-up. In the meantime, keep your skin gently moisturized.

While the antibiotic Monocef (ceftriaxone) is safe and won't affect her blood sugar, Dexona (dexamethasone) is a steroid that can temporarily raise glucose levels further from her current 200-250 mg/dL range. It is safe to administer if medically necessary, but it is highly recommended to consult her doctor first. This allows them to closely monitor her blood sugar and adjust her diabetes treatment if needed, keeping her safe and comfortable.

It is very possible that your past use of Dexona (dexamethasone), a strong steroid, is linked to your current symptoms. Prolonged use or sudden stoppage of this medication can disrupt your body's natural hormone balance, leading to high blood pressure, digestive issues like constipation and fullness, and a weakened immune system, which makes you more prone to skin infections. Since these symptoms keep returning, please do not self-medicate. I highly recommend consulting a doctor. They can safely evaluate your hormone levels, manage your blood pressure, and provide the right treatments to help you heal permanently and safely.

Regarding your medications, please do not substitute Dexona (dexamethasone) 0.5 mg for Medrol (methylprednisolone) 8 mg. They are not equal in strength; 0.5 mg of Dexona is a much weaker dose and may not adequately control your inflammation. However, Pantop D SR (pantoprazole with domperidone) and Rekool D (rabeprazole with domperidone) are very similar acid-reducing medicines. While this substitution is generally safer, it is vital to consult your prescribing doctor before making any changes, especially with steroids, to ensure your recovery stays safely on track.