<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dear List readers, I'd like to explain what I can about anti-inflammatory drugs. Both prednisone and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naprosyn, aspirin, ibuprofen, ect. stop the inflammatory process by stopping the production of prostaglandins which are mediators in our bodies cascade of inflammation in response to insult or injury. They work at different sites in the cascade but the result is the same. Stop prostaglandin synthesis and stop the inflammatory process. Unfortunately the stomach lining is made with the help of prostaglandin "E" and this is knocked out with all the other prostaglandins lead to inflammation in our joints that make us hurt. There is another drug Cytotec that supplies prostaglandin E to help keep ulcerations from occuring in the stomach from NSAID use. I don't see it used much in my pharmacy practice. A good practice for those that have to use these drugs is to use them in spurts if possible. For example 10 days on NSAIDS and 20 days off, or 1 week on , 2 weeks off, if possible. Steroids, like prednisone, also have the side effect of suppressing the adrenal gland function if taken in high doses over extended periods of time. That is why patients should be weaned off these doses and not taken off abruptly. When the adrenal gland is suppressed, the body stops making natural,self-made hormones that normally come from there - the adrenal-corticoids. We fight infections among other things with our own adrenal gland hormones and this supression can lead to major illnesses and problems. Again, for those that have to be on these drugs, varying the dosing schedule has proven to prevent some of the worst side effects, as always the lowest dose effective is always the best. Hope this has been some help. Cindy Fisher, RPh in Texas.