hello, I hope someone can give me some advice. I have been given prednisone 40mg per day for 5 days. I’ve read the possible side effects which are concerning. I have a chest infection and also have to take antibiotics for 5 days also. I’ve gone through posts with this subject and can see some people have been on it for years. Am I likely to suffer side effects with 5 days use.
thank you 😊
Hi, I can only talk from my own experience, I have to do the same thing several times a year. I’ve read the side effects and it’s scary reading. I normally get muscular and joint pains, but nothing too painful or lasting. They can irritate the stomach so I’ve tended to take them with food. Some sleep disturbance and tiredness. And a little agitated sometimes. That said, I do find them beneficial to address my flare up etc. I hope there are of benefit for you too, good luck
thank you Frued for your reply. Can I ask how long you take them for each time. I’m to take them for 5 days and the first time I’ve taken them. I’m also worried it’s a slippery slope and I may need them again. Am I worrying needlessly?
Hi Pink-crochet
the other responses cover pretty much anything that I could add. It’s an individual journey but the similarities is keeping your asthma under control and being mindful to avoid your triggers. This will help reduce the necessity for the potential use of additional medications including oral steroids. Speedy recovery
If you have a sensitive stomach you can get them as a coated tablet/gastro resistant ..... they are much easier on the stomach
But the standard does seem to be to prescribe the non coated ones.... if you have them regularly it may be worth asking for the coated ones.
Unfortunately I am on steriods numerous times each year. Five day course is a standard course. I have two noticeable side affects . One it increases my energy and secondly I get very little sleep.The benefits for me greatly outway the side affects.
I am never on them for just a week so always have to do reducing period.
I see them as a means to an end and if it means I can get on leading as normal life as possible I will continue to take them when required .
I hope you feel better soon.
thank you, what you say makes perfect sense 😊
You may have side effects in the short term (such as insomnia, acid reflux, increased appetite, mood swings and others), but very unlikely in the long term from just 5 days (and you don't need to taper for a one off short course). And taking the steroids is better than leaving your asthma without it.
This forum isn't representative necessarily as it will attract people who have more trouble with their asthma - including people who need multiple steroid courses. But it doesn't mean you'll end up needing multiple courses. It seems like this one is because of an infection, which is a common reason for asthma to get worse - but unless your infections are frequent, then it doesn't necessarily mean you will need lots of oral steroids.
If you do have frequent infections triggering your asthma, then this would be something to raise with your GP. How is your asthma when you don't have an infection? The best way to avoid needing more courses of oral steroids is to have your asthma under control as far as possible. So if you're needing your reliever (usually blue) more than 2-3 times a week outside the infection, then you need to see your GP or asthma nurse to discuss your medication and get your asthma back under control.
You can also ring the asthma nurses to chat things through: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp 07378 606 728 Monday-Friday 0915-5pm
thanks so much for your advice. My asthma is controlled fairly well now. I recently moved onto Fostair but took some time for it to work. I recently got a cold and it went to my chest and saw a dr tonight. Thank you 😊
I have also been on them a number of times. Like others I do find them beneficial to sort out the immediate problem with asthma, and I would absolutely take them again. Though I have had a what feels like numerous courses, I have fortunately not needed them now for more than 2 years. As for length of time, the shortest (and pretty standard generally) has been 5 days, or seven days. My longest was just thort of three weeks. It affects my sleep, so it is important to take them as early as you can to reduce the impact on your sleep. I can also feel rather sluggish with them. Unlike Teddyd they don't increase my energy levels. So people differ. Personally I think the best approach is to try to be philosophical about them as they do help.
Thank you for your reply. What time of day would you suggest to take them? 😊
I'm not Wheezycat obviously, but I used to take them just after breakfast. I would take them just after food as it's easier on your stomach - and the pharmacist should have said that.
Hello.
I’ve taken it several times over the past few years. Ensure you eat something first, or you might get indigestion. Also, if you take steroids earlier in the day, they are less likely to keep you awake. Hope you’re feeling better soon.
I feel better already for all the reply’s. Thank you that really helps 😊
Over the years I've had many short courses of prednisolone plus an antibiotic and never had any side effects . Take all the daily dose together. I also take the first dose and then sleep. When prescribed antibiotics if they're 3 times a day I split the day into three 8 hour periods, and take one exactly every 9 hours, whether that's 6am, 2pm and 10pm, or 7am, 3pm and 11pm, etc, and take the whole course.
That’s very helpful thank you 😊
Good morning
I see you have had a number of replies and they have really covered most aspects of this . I write because your “ questions” really struck a chord as I remember having serious concerns too about taking steroids or indeed any medication . Of course those concerns are perfectly normal but today we have so many sources of “ information “ available especially on line where there is comment avsilable varying from “ sublime to ridiculous . I was started on a large dose 60 mgs when I was really unwell three years ago . Since then the dosage has been …reduced. And then increased as and when required due to infection etc Todsy , and for many months now my daily dosage is 4 mgs . They do the job ( for most people) very well . I often ask “ do I really need these now” ?? Be guided by your consultant / GP …. And ask the question when you feel uncertain . Maybe I am fortunate but I have yet to meet a Dr / Consultant who puts and keeps you on any meds longer than is necessary. My 4 mgs give me much required energy snd keep the symptoms at bay preventing flare ups getting worse !! Good luck .A
Thank you, hearing from others is really reassuring. Thank you for taking the time to reply 😊
thank you and all good wishes. Regards A
I've been on it a few times and each time,I've gained weight and bruises appeared on my body, I refused to go on it anymore
sorry to hear that.
Unfortunately those are common side effects of oral steroids, along with others. I've been there and it definitely isn't fun! On the other hand, if your asthma needs the steroids, it needs them. The potential consequences of not taking steroids when you need them for asthma can be much more serious.
wise words thank you 😊 it’s the first time of me taking them and it’s come as a bit of a shock to me. Thank you 😊
hi, lots of good advice on here, I always take them with my breakfast for the best chance of a decent sleep, if you find that they make you feel very energised try to avoid rushing around and make yourself rest for the sake of your recovery from your chest infection
Hope you feel much better soon xxx
Thanks so much that’s very helpful. I think I was also shocked at taking 8 all in one go xx
I usually count them out on a little plate and then swallow them a few at a time with a drink after my breakfast cereal. That’s the easiest way for me to keep track of them xxx
I took my first lot this morning. Just popped all 8 out and put the rest away. I think I rattle now 😆 x
Often given along with anti-biotics if you have a chest infection or you have an allergy to something.
thank you 😊
The only side effects I've had from short doses are:
-Hunger... like you could eat a farm (machinery and all) and still be hungry
-Lack of sleep /insomnia
- random smells... ive dragged my Mrs round the house looking for random burning more than once
And I have them every 3 months (along with antibiotics) ... sometimes for 10+ days at a time (but most often 5)
They are known affectionately as "the devils tic tacs" ... a necessary evil for a lot of people (including asthmatics)
But you should be able to breathe better quickly which is quite often a welcome relief
that made me chuckle 😆 machinery and all. Thank you for your reply 😊
Hi Pink-crochet,
I'm in the same boat as you, started my first course of steroids a few days ago along with antibiotics for chest infection. The first night I barely slept but my breathing was easier. I'd taken the first dose at lunchtime after I'd had appointment whereas after this I took it with breakfast and have slept better since.
My daughter has had steroids most winters for a few years but so far this season she's not despite being now on her 3rd course of antibiotics for chest infections since September. I think her overall asthma control has probably been better so enabled her to cope better with the asthma even when she has had an infection. She has never had any problems with the steroids even when she's had 10days at a time.
Hope you are feeling better now
I have numerous chest infections and this my normal routine of treatment. I have no side effects and it normal works well. My gp also prescibes a reducing dose of ventolin
thank you. I’m on my 3rd day now and fingers crossed all is good 😊
I never do xxx
Hi, Sorry your not well. I have asthma and on occasions when I have to take Prednisone I find they are a big help. I do not have side effects. I think it is when they are taken for long periods they are a problem. Regards Pam
Thank you for your reply Pam that is very helpful 😊 I’ve just started day 4 and all seems good 😊
I have been on them for years and at the moment trying to get off them. never again I am down to 3ml it’s hard work my body aches are bad but I will persevere nearly there.
sorry to hear that and I hope you manage to come off them soon. I’ve only been given a 5 day course and I’ve just taken my last ones.
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