I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice about taking prednisone? Dr took me off my MTX yesterday because my liver blood test came back high. And he put me on 1 1/2 pills of prednisone. He said he would talk to me about what medication I should go on for my RA in a few weeks when I have an appointment with him. I've read about the weigh gain, which scares me some. How long do you normally stay on prednisone? How long does it take to be weaned off? I was told it will work wonders on my swelled feet and hands but the side effects are horrid.
Thanks, Lori
HI Nana, welcome to AI, hopefully your pred use will just be a stopgap until your new RA drug starts to work. If you are only on it short term, don't worry too much, and 1.5 tablets, I am assuming is 7.5mg? This is a reasonably safe dose and side effects shouldn't really cause too many problems at this level, the worry comes especially when the doses are higher and long term as in my case and many others on this board. I have all the side effects associated with the drug and am paying a high price for its antiinflammatory assistance, however if you can get on another drug to control your RA then don't worry too much. All the best, hope this helps, hugs Janie. Hi and welcomeYuck! I hated prednisone with a bloody passion! It made me feel great, but whew! ahat a raging bitch I became! LOL Even on the smallest dose, it made me really, really aggressive and completely impatient. I also had the munchies like crazy.
Mel
I have been stuck on Pred. for a year and a half and am doing everything in my power to get off. I will never increase or go back on unless life threatening.I was diagnosed this year with sero neg RA. Hang in there Nana. Prednisone doesn't have to be long term and at a low dose you should get some relief. MY only gripe about the med was hair thinning and some weight gain. Yes I do believe it makes you want to eat a lot more!!! Have you asked your RA dr about something for pain relief? I got off of it after 7 months I am now on enbrel and it seems to be working . I do take vicoden for the pain which is a real life saver. Hang in there I will look for more posts from you to see how you get along! Best of luck , Chris
Thanks everyone for your response...... Chrise4983, I'm thinking that my rummy put me on prednisone because he had to take me off MTX. He had to take me off MTX because of bad liver enzime tests. When he called me to tell me I couldn't continue taking the MTX, he told me to stop by his office and pick up the script for the Prednisone and he would talk to me about an injectable the 19th. Which kinda scares me some what. I haven't been able to speak with him yet anything for pain..... I know I HATE the feeling I've been getting from Prednisone. I feel like I'm bouncing off the walls. I just don't think I'll be able to deal with that feeling long term. And it doesn't seem to be helping with the swelling. I seem to be swollen more, and be in more pain than when I was on MTX. Can that be true, or is that my imagination? How long should it take for the Prednisone to kick in and start working? Sorry for all the questions. Lori