Maintenance dose of prednisone - how effective?

[PW_R]

For people who are on this all the time or during the winter months, what mg are you on and does it stop infections turning bad?

[helenlw7]

I’m on 7.5mg all year, but I’m also on an antibiotic as a prophylactic so I fairly get chest infections now, 2 in the last 8 or so years.

[Spacecat1]

I take 6 a day when I have a chest infection.also 1 a day to help with my appetite the consultant reccomend this. They are 2.5mg

[janedivney]

I take 5mg all year round (with occasional high doses) for adrenal insufficiency (so I need it to stay alive). To be frank it has absolutely no effect on the number or severity of infections I get. Personally, if it wasn’t for my adrenal problems I’d steer clear of it unless absolutely necessary. I think gps dish out these potentially harmful steroids too readily. They should warn of the drawbacks (which are many, including your adrenal glands packing up)

[Patk1 in reply to janedivney]

I've just had short synachan test+waiting for results.did yrs show adrenal insufficiency or did u have the mouth test

[janedivney in reply to Patk1]

I had the blood test. Luckily my consultant insisted on that before trying to stop the steroids, as it revealed my adrenal output was only 6%. Had I stopped without the test I’d have been in big trouble!

Lots of people with AI take hydrocortisone, but I’m now on 5mg prednisone per day. You have to be very careful to double it when ill or having any procedure. I forgot to do that once, for a cataract op, and a few days later almost fell into a coma, my husband had to call an ambulance who immediately gave me an injection of 100mg. So if you do have AI, take care

[Trevor6 in reply to janedivney]

Am Hydrocortisone 15morning 5 afternoon every day for Adisons Decease

Side affects I itch on back of head and neck and eating more

[Trevor6 in reply to janedivney]

Hi, I was diagnosed in October last year with Addisons Decease and on Steroids every day for life , like yourself , I had never heard of it before, I was on respite and collapsed don’t remember a thing , they run all tests /scans and came up with Addisons. Side effects, am eating more which is good cause I was only 8.st. Now am a healthy 9 for my height , plus I had to put on and maintain for LVR . But I do notice I itch a lot more around neck/back of head?

[janedivney in reply to Trevor6]

I think of it as AI but they seem to call it Addison’s now. The endocrinologist told me I should refer to it like that. I’m at Chel & West & they think prednisone is preferable to hydrocortisone, don’t know why. At least I only have to take it once a day. I’m on daily antihistamines for urticaria so itching is well controlled. I agree about eating more! I’m about 7lbs overweight, can’t seem to shift it 🤷‍♀️

[Trevor6 in reply to janedivney]

Am different as I needed to and wanted to put weight on . Take care Jane

[leo60]

Hello. I was on a maintenance dose of Pred for a while, but when I was in hospital last year they stopped them and now I only use them for short periods to help with inflammation during an infection. The hospital told me that a maintenance dose is no longer their "go to" in COPD care. Probably due to it's many side effects and advances in other drugs, I guess. xx

[Ern007]

I have Prednisolone in my Rescue Pack along with antibiotic. I was never allowed a maintenance dose because of possible side effects. Reflux for one reason. When I do take it is is 6 a day 30mg - for 7 days. 8 used to be normal but seems not these days.

[O2Trees]

Prednisolone is given to reduce inflammation. It does not have any effect on viral or bacterial infections, the latter of which will probably require antibiotics. What pred will do is make it easier to breathe as it helps keeps the airways less inflamed, therefore less narrow.

[6538 in reply to O2Trees]

O2Trees, is right in his description of Prednisolone , but I also found out to my cost One of the major problems of using steroids such as prednisone is they cause muscle wasting and weakness when taken long term , fortunately I am able to exercise to some degree which helps in holding it back a little.

[B0xermad]

5mg x 8 tabs and yes it helps enormously during a flare up but only as a rescue pack

[B0xermad]

5mg x 8 tabs and yes it helps enormously during a flare up but only as a rescue pack

[Timberman]

Steroids reduce inflammation but can have a bad effect regarding infections; see below.

Taking prednisolone can make you more likely to get infections. Tell your doctor if you get an infection, such as coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you're exposed to infectious illnesses like chickenpox, shingles or measles.

About prednisolone tablets and liquid - NHS

[Younie]

It doesnt stop infections turning bad as long term higher dose is an immunosuppressant, therefore more prone to infections. I have been on permanent for over 5 years of 10mg minimum and increased when required which is at least 6 times a year. The issue now is trying to get off if then and causing even more issues.