prednisone side effects

[pasquino]

Hi everybody!

I would be grateful if anyone could help me with this problem .... I live with only one lung from 2018 and of course I am used to living with SOB especially under stress.

I state that I am not diabetic, I have an ideal weight and good blood pressure and perfect cholesterol

Unfortunately in case of flare up (on average at least twice a year) using the rescue pack (30mg prednisone for 6 days and doxyciline once a day for 6 days) makes me feel EXTREMELY breathless, even if my saturation standing is 95/96 and flat 92/93.

I must add that I am 71 years old and I had a coronary artery stent (LAD) in January and I am taking 2 blood thinners and a beta blocker and since then the SOB had increased but not like now with steroids and antibiotics.

I wonder if it's a cumulative effect of all these drugs or if it happens to you too.

Thanks for your answers and happy Easter to all.

Pasquino

[CDPO16]

I don't really feel able to answer your question pasquino. I have had many courses of prednisolone and less of antibiotics over recent years but neither have caused me to feel more breathless. I am just about to finish my latest course of prednisolone which this time has not eased my symptoms at all. My specialist nurse thinks this is because of a deterioration in my lung disease rather than a flare up as was considered last week. My suggestion would be that you talk about how you are with your nurse of doctor or perhaps phone the lung forum helpline for advice (0300 555 2800 office hours weekdays). I wish I could be of more help.

[Patk1]

I wonder if its the exacerbation causing yr symptoms and coinciding with rescue meds? Id talk to gp or respiratory nurse x

[HungryHufflepuff]

I can’t answer your question either but like CDPO16 said, maybe you can speak to the British Lung Foundation or your doctor for advice. Sending you lots of good wishes.

[Caspiana]

Hello Pasquino, 😁👋

I have two lungs but one is not working much and I rely my donor's lung. I think the psychological effects of Prednisone are not stressed enough. Such a dose of steroids like you are on can cause some level of irritability, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, cognitive deficits and a general sense of being "hyped up" . This naturally causes an increase in respiratory rates. I think once you go down on the dose or get off it, things will calm down. However, if you feel that there is something awry please talk to your doctor. The devil's tic - tacs are helpful , but there is always a price to pay. 😞 Take care.

Can xx🌿

[Alberta56]

I've only been on pred a few times and the only side effect I noticed was insomnia.

[watergazer]

I become hyperactive when taking prednisone and barely sleep. It also shoots up my blood sugar levels and now I’m pre diabetic x

[SparkySW123]

Yes, Pasquino, best talk to the respiratory people. The combination of prednisolone and doxycline certainly isn't much fun. I can't take doxycline anyway but as for steroids - just been on a course, they cause me severe depression (almost to the oint of suicide) and upset stomach. They also make my breathlessness worse which doesn't help. I hope you get things sorted soon. Christina