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October 30, 1999

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Question from Coral Springs, Florida, USA:

My husband is a 57-year-old type�2 diabetic, diagnosed with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis 1 year ago. He is taking Cytoxan and prednisone for the nephropathy, and insulin because of the prednisone. Should he avoid the flu shot (advised for diabetics) because of being immunosuppressed?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

As you indicate, the flu shot is strongly recommended for most people with diabetes, but there are occasional exceptions.

In special circumstances, such as folks who are taking immunosuppressive medications such as Cytoxan and prednisone to treat other disorders, it’s probably wisest for the patient and their diabetes doctor to confer with the other specialists who are treating the other disorder, and ask their opinion about whether to take the flu shot.

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