Advice on prednisolone

Ehibb01
Ehibb01 Member Posts: 3
in Young people's community

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this -

I have been taking prednisolone, started 20mg for one week then 15mg another week, 10mg another and now starting tomorrow on 5mg for a week for my recent diagnosis of Sjorgrens Syndrome.

For the last two weeks I’ve had reduced swelling and little to no ‘dull aches’ all over my body, however I can feel it creeping back in my hands and legs. Would this be due to reducing the prednisolone? And does that mean I will just have to always live with pain?

I’m also taking for the forceable 200mg Hydroxychloroquine daily.

My next review with my rheumatologist isn’t until the end of June.

Sorry for the long post!
thank you!

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,223

    Hello @Ehibb01 have you read the NHS guidance and also possible side effects, link is here

    https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,967
    edited 4. Jun 2024, 10:35

    HI @Ehibb01

    I think if l understand you rightly you are weaning of prednisolone? and presumably started hydroxy reasonably recently too? It (hydroxy) can take 3 months to actually be at it's most effective.

    It seems very possible that your twinges are your arthritis pain sneaking through as you are reducing the steroids which unfortunately we can't be on long term the side affects are just not good at all.

    It doesn't necessarily mean you will have to live with pain the rest of your life - when you see your consultant they may suggest adding another DMARD like the hydroxy to your regime or the hydroxy dose might be tweaked.

    I am presuming you have some pain medication available to you if you need it?

    Sending some ((()))

    Toni x

  • Woofy
    Woofy Member Posts: 360
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/62696/advice-on-prednisolone

    I am taking steroids at the moment, and yes when I reduce them, I get the pain creeping back slowly.
    I saw my rheumatology dept two weeks ago tomorrow, and they have changed my methotrexate to injection form, and added in Leflunomide. My steroids were 15mg the first week, reducing by 2.5mg each week. I start on 10.mg tomorrow.

    This time round the doctor told me if I get to a point when the pain returns, to reduce on a fortnightly basis, instead of weekly.

    They are trying to give the new tablet I am on a chance to kick in. I have my next appointment in August.

    I would contact hospital and let them know your pain is starting to return. They will be able to advise. Good luck

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