Stopping Steroids

[D0n49]

Hi All,

Whilst I plan on double checking with my Mum’s Respiratory Consultant today, I was wondering whether anyone else has previously stopped a two week course of Prednisolone (40mg a day) without gradual weaning/reduction please, as that is what the medication instructions imply?

Thank you in advance.

[sassy59]

Hi, I can only say that Pete has never just stopped that many steroids without gradually weaning himself off. No doctor has ever advised him just to stop. Do check with your mum’s consultant.

Take care and stay safe. Xxxxx

[D0n49 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you as always sassy59 🤗 xx

[CDPO16]

Hi, I have been prescribed a 3 week course of prednisolone and stopped without tapering off. It was prescribed by a consultant who said that tapering is only needed when it has been taken for over 3 weeks. I have, however, also been prescribed a 2 week course of prednisolone by a different consultant and been tapered off slowly.

If you have no specific medical advice then it is probably best to check.

[D0n49 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you CDPO16, good to know!!!

Whilst there is no mention of tampering on the steroid instructions, I have just noticed a hand written note by the Hospital Pharmacist on the prescription carbon copy and it would appear they double checked.

Thanks again for your kind assistance 😊

[CDPO16 in reply to D0n49]

That would suggest that she is ok just to stop without tapering.

[D0n49 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you 😊

[CDPO16 in reply to D0n49]

PS. I would have thought that if she needed to taper, a further supply of pred would have been issued with clear instructions on how to reduce the dose before stopping. Blessed with afterthought!

[D0n49 in reply to CDPO16]

Good thinking Brains!!! 👍🏻

[CDPO16 in reply to D0n49]

Brains not as sharp as they used to be, hence the afterthought 🙄 xx

[D0n49 in reply to CDPO16]

You’re telling me - I still have COVID brain 😣

[CDPO16 in reply to D0n49]

Unfortunately I don't have that excuse. Hope you improve with time and your mum too. Best wishes to you all.

[D0n49 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you very much 😊

[Hidden]

I would say its always best to discuss with Consultant or GP if its safe to stop first and then discuss be aware of what may result generally if the problem being treated is no longer treated with prednisolone and if there is any alternative that may help the problem.

Good you are speaking with the Respiratory Consultant today.

[D0n49 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much Bkin 😊

[rodders1941]

hi , l stopped takeing steroids in one go then it felt like l had fallen of a cliff,

l could hardly lift my arms , so be very careful . take care Rodders 41

[D0n49 in reply to rodders1941]

Oh my goodness rodders1941, thank you for the heads up! Praying the improvement she has made is permanent with no side effects from going cold turkey 🤞🏻

[Gladwyn in reply to rodders1941]

How long has you been taking them rodders?

[rodders1941 in reply to Gladwyn]

Gladwyv hi yes lv been taking steroids for over a year lm down to 3 mg and hopeing to come off them altogether . take care Rodders 1941

[Gladwyn in reply to rodders1941]

Heavens rodders I’m not surprised you had such a reaction after such a lengthy time on them! I hope you dont suffer too long and that you are feeling much better now.

Thank you for answering my question. 😀

[rodders1941 in reply to Gladwyn]

thanks for reply yes l did get over it but l never got back to were l was taking a high dose of steroids. a lot of people are hooked on them, they should be more caution from the doctors dishing them out take care Rodders

[madonbrew]

I would tend to agree with CPOD, that I have had steroids for a fortnight and just stopped. Another occasion I had them and was for a2 weeks and was tapered but that’s only because it was such a severe asthma attack, rather than because of the actual stopping of the steroids.

But obviously you must follow how your Dr (mums dr) prescribed them.

[D0n49 in reply to madonbrew]

Thank you very much for taking the time to advise madonbrew!!! 😊

[soulsaver]

Y I have. I have asked in the past and our GPs also believe that you'd have to be on more than 3 weeks before needing tapering.

[D0n49 in reply to soulsaver]

Thank you very much soulsaver 😊

[corriena]

While consultants are very clever they are not the ones taking steriods. We are all different and thear for we all have different reactions. Some people can just stop them while others get terable withdrawel affects. I would ask for some step down steriods just incase then see if your mum needs them. She may be fine without. I hope she is feeling better soon 😷

[D0n49 in reply to corriena]

Thank you very much corriena for your brilliant advice and kind words 😊

[MoyB in reply to corriena]

Good idea! xx Moy

[MoyB]

I always have two weeks of Prednisolone, sometimes 8 a day and sometimes 6. I have received different advice from people.

I have been told, 'No need to taper off after only two weeks.', (Consultant)

'You need to taper off.' (GP)

'Whatever you do, don't just stop them, I'll always prescribe enough for you to taper off.', (Another GP)

'Drop the dose down by one tablet a day until weaned off.' (Hospital)

Drop the tablet down by one tablet every other day until weaned off.' (New GP)

Personally, I prefer to come off them by dropping down a tablet a day. That seems to work best for me, but you have to be guided by the medics. Just don't expect them all to give the same answer!

Hope your Mum gets better soon. xx Moy

[D0n49 in reply to MoyB]

Thank you very much MoyB 😊

[D0n49]

Day 1 of no Prednisolone and nothing to report so far (touch Wood) except a sore throat. Could that be a side effect? How long does the immune system to take to recover does anyone know please?

Alternatively could it be the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol inhaler she is still taking for the rest of the month?

Thank you

[MoyB in reply to D0n49]

The prednisolone has never caused me to have a sore throat.

Some of the inhalers can cause oral thrush if not followed by a gargle or a good mouth rinse.

It might be an idea for your mum to check her mouth (or you can do it if easier for her) and look for any red or whitish patches. If she has some, let the GP know as if she does have thrush, she can be prescribed something for it. I have never had it myself but I believe it can be very sore. xx Moy

[D0n49 in reply to MoyB]

Thank you so much MoyB 🙏🏻