Wellness

[Ro]

Having a problematic rash for about 6 months, tried lotions and creams, nothing is working. Doctor wants me to take prednisone (20mg for 10 days, than 10mg for 10 days), I am nervous about taking steroids, has anyone taking this, and if so, how was it?

Thanks

[chrystaltree]

This is a conversation you have with your doctor. The steroidal medication he's talking about are not the steriods you are thinking about. If you'd asked, he or she would have explained it to you.

[151949]

You should not come here for any kind of medical information. You will hear every horror story on earth - probably many of them not true. People come gre who have absolutely NO KNOWLEDGE of what they are referencing but they write in such a way as to infer they are all knowing, You should ask your doctor for the info you are looking for.

[ChynnaBlue]

I usually end up doing small and short term doses of prednisone once a year for bronchitis. If you follow the instructions and do it rarely, it's fine and you will experience few side effects. The most common for that dosage will be indigestion and an increase in stomach acid. I avoid coffee, spicy foods or acidic foods and ibuprofen while I take prednisone. If the acid becomes a problem, I'll take an antacid and it goes away. Different people experience different side effects, but I mine are minimal, especially because the dose is so low and the period of time they're taken is so short. You may experience some skin flushing or puffiness, but for that short period of time, you probably won't see much puffiness, if any. You may have some trouble sleeping the first night, so try some warm milk or herbal tea before bed. (I'm usually on a codeine cough syrup the first night and don't notice, but you won't be.)

You should be fine with that dose and that time frame. If you have any side effects that worry you, contact your doctor. I think the worst will be the acid, so buy some generic Zantac or something similar and be ready to that take for at least some of the time you're on the 20mg dose.

[Ro]

I did talk to my doctor, just wanted to heard from someone who actually took this drug and what their experience was.

[RedTop]

My husband is currently taking his third round of steroids since October for asthmatic wheezing due to COPD. This medication does very well with reducing the inflammation in his lungs and helping him breathe easier. The only issue he has with this medication is that it raises his blood sugar, and therefore he has to be more diligent with checking his blood sugar frequently, paying closer attention to what he eats, and adjusting his insulin to compensate for higher blood sugar readings.

[ChynnaBlue]

On 1/15/2014 Ro said:

I did talk to my doctor, just wanted to heard from someone who actually took this drug and what their experience was.

I'm usually the first one here or anywhere to say, "OMG, stop asking strangers and ask a doctor!" but I think this is fair. You'd gone to the doctors and came back with a diagnosis and a treatment plan and wanted to know what you might expect to encounter while you took it. That's not out of line.

[LilacTree]

I have been on prednisone for RA and other autoimmune issues for almost ten years. I take 8 mgs a day right now, which I am trying to taper, but can't seem to get below this dosage without horrific pain. I have had many side effects, one of which is severe osteoporosis that has destroyed my spine. There are many others. This med is a miracle and a curse at the same time. However, this comes with long term use, which doesn't apply to you.

Taking prednisone for that short a period is not going to harm you. I suffered no side effects during my initial course of taking it. 20 mgs tapering down to 10 mgs is odd though. I would expect 20/10, then 10/10, then a slow taper down to 0 for 10 days. But he probably knows what he is doing.

Don't be afraid of it for that short a duration.

[pattypeep]

I took prednisone off and on for at least three years when my auto immune disease was out of control. I did not like taking it, although there were no permanent side effects. The worse thing was feeling "wound up". A little hard to sleep and they made me ravenous. I swear I could have licked the paint off the walls. Please follow the Dr.'s instructions ~ it is very important to wean yourself off of them. The best of luck to you and I hope that you find relief for your problem.

I will echo ChynnaBlue in that it seems entirely appropriate to ask people on these boards what experience they have had with a specific drug. Your question did not sound like you were seeking medical advice to me.

[judgejudith]

Ro, I think you have asked a fair question. I have taken prednisone over the years in the dosage you describe. My experience was a good one...it made me feel better and gave me a lot of energy. Originally it was prescribed by ENT when I had serious sinus problems and pneumonia. I also have asthma. I do not consider myself drug sensitive.

I am currently taking prednisone for my Rhematoid Arthritis. I have been taking it for 4 years. Started out with a very high dosage with ALOT of other drugs. I have been weaned down to 10 mg once a day. I have been on that dosage for a good three years. My experience in the long run has not been bad. You have probably been told not to miss your doses and do NOT stop taking the drug. If you have any problems with bad side effects please contact your doctor immediately. You must be weaned off this drug gradually.

I had a co-worker who was prescribed prednisone for pneumonia she did not like the side effects she was feeling so she just quite taking after a couple of days and then she was admitted to the hospital after a trip to the ER. Her doctor told her she should not have just quit taking the medication.

Please explain a little more about your rash...diagnosis. Did your regular doctor prescribe the prednisone? Or a dermatologist? What do they think about the cause of your rash? Where is the rash?