I just went to my RD yesterday and asked him how long I have to continue on the prednisone. He said maybe 2 years or so. I originally thought it would just be a temporary thing until the mtx and sulfasalazine worked. I've been on prednisone and the other meds for over a month. It just surprised me that I should stay on it "long term".
So, I was just wondering how long you guys had to stay on it. I guess it helps me, but I wonder if it's good to take over an extended period. I don't like the side effects of prednisone. I only take 5mg now and think it's considered a low dose.
Have any of you been on it for over a year? Did you have significant weight gain, moonface, problems with bone density,...?
Right now i am going on my 5th month, but will be on it more than likely for years to come.
I take 20mg of mtx a week, 2 celebrex a day, 1 10mg pill of pred and a total of 4 ultram a day for pain.
Doc wanted me off pred, but i tried to lower it to 5mg like she said and have been in a full flair for days and only had it down 1 day to the 5mg. It's been horrible.
They say that if you take 7.5 or 5mg a day that you can take it long term and more than likely not have it eat away at your bones. But, if you take it for 10+ years, you may have to rely on it for the rest of your life cuz it stops something from building in your system and the longer you go, the more it will never grow on it's own.
I have taken that evil drug going on three years now. Started at 80mg daily, down to 40mg daily and now I have tapered to 10mg daily.
As a result of the long term steroid use I have osteopenia/osteoporosis in my spine and right hip, I have lost three teeth because of bone loss, I've gained about 25 pounds and have fat deposits at the base of my neck and in my hips. I can't wait to get off the things! I know the drug is helping keep my symptoms at bay, but the long-term effects are beginning to be bothersome.
I am a 46 year old male that has probably had this since I was 2. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Take care,
Joe
I was on prednisone for about 3 years. My bone density tests have been fine, so I guess the only bad thing about it was that I had gained some weight. But it came off once I was off of the prednisone.I was put on it I only took it for a week it caused my blood sugars to sky rocket I couldn't take it anymore. The doctor doesn't want me to take it because I am 23 and I have osteopenia in my hips. Very bad bone density there. Good luck. the bad bone density was not because of the predinsone It is from the RA. Thank you so much, everyone. I appreciate you taking time to write. It really helps to hear your experiences with it. I wish all of you the best.Susan
Hi, I have been on Pred for 6 years now, doses ranging from 50mg to the current 12mg, I have Cushings syndrome because of it, fat face, fat body, thin skin, extra hair on body, scalp hair loss, osteopenia, always hungry, osteoporosis, glaucoma and borderline high blood sugar. My Dr says I will get diabetes eventually and heart disease if I stay on these doses and My rheumy says I am like a timebomb waiting to go off!!!!!!!! It is a wonder drug for inflammation but terrible side effects. I just got over a stress fracture in my metatarsal, it took 8 months to get better and now I am entitled to Fosamax on the pharmaceutical benfits scheme, which my rheumy said I should have been on after 3 mths on Pred but the govt does not subsidise it unless you have an osteoporotic fracture!!!!!!! Don't take it unless u have no other choice. regards Jane - muminpain