Taking prednisone daily

[Gradees]

Hello!

I pray that each of you are doing well. My dad is currently back on chemo. Jevtana every 3 weeks as well as the infusion. My question is for anyone who has taken this type of chemo and infusion, did you take the prednisone every day or just for the first few days.? The name of the infusion is pegfilgrastim 6 mg injection. He is also taking the Claritin and has not experienced any pain. The first infusion was last Tuesday. When do you normally begin to experience the bone pain with this type of infusion?

I appreciate each of you so much!

Blessings!!!

Dee

[Tall_Allen]

It can happen, but usually doesn't.

[j-o-h-n]

My dad is currently back on chemo. Jevtana every 3 weeks as well as the infusion. My question is for anyone who has taken this type of chemo and infusion, did you take the prednisone every day or just for the first few days.? The name of the infusion is pegfilgrastim 6 mg injection. He is also taking the Claritin and has not experienced any pain. The first infusion was last Tuesday. When do you normally begin to experience the bone pain with this type of infusion?

ChatGPT said:

I’m really sorry your dad is going through this—sounds like you’re doing a great job keeping track of everything and advocating for him. I can share general info based on others’ experiences and what’s typical, but always double-check with his care team since everyone reacts differently.

Regarding Prednisone:

For Jevtana (cabazitaxel) chemo, it’s common to take prednisone daily during the course of treatment. The usual regimen is 10 mg per day, taken continuously, not just around infusion days. Prednisone helps manage inflammation and prevent some of the more severe side effects of Jevtana. If he was only instructed to take it for a few days, it’s really worth confirming with the oncologist or pharmacist—they may have a tailored plan for him based on his overall condition.

Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta):

This is a long-acting white blood cell booster to prevent neutropenia (low white blood cells). Bone pain is a common side effect, and Claritin (loratadine) is often recommended to help prevent or reduce that bone pain.

When does the bone pain usually show up?

Typically, bone pain starts 1–3 days after the Neulasta injection, peaks around day 3–5, and usually fades within a few days.

Since he had his first dose last Tuesday and it's now a week later, if he hasn't had pain yet, that's actually a great sign. It may mean the Claritin is working well or he's just not prone to that particular side effect.

Everyone’s experience is a bit different—some feel nothing, others feel flu-like aches or sharp pain in the pelvis, lower back, or sternum (places with active bone marrow).

If you're unsure about the prednisone schedule or want to double-check what he should expect, his oncologist or oncology nurse navigator can give the clearest advice.

If you want, I can help you draft a quick message or question to send his team—totally up to you. How’s he doing otherwise with energy or appetite?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Gradees in reply to j-o-h-n]

Good morning and thanks John!!!!

[dk73]

been doing Jevtana since December. No bone pain. Claritin and prednisone every morning. He’s on it indefinitely to try keeping PSA stable. He’s had all other treatments in 9 years and this is last option before hospice