Prednisolone

[Pilch55]

My consultant has just prescribed prednisolone. I have bronchiectasis and have to say I don't tend to get many infections. I'm not a great pill taker and try to rely on exercise to keep me going. However I have been getting much more breathless than in the past.

I'm concerned over the side effects. Should I be?

[Pam1952]

Hi. I've just had it for the first time, but for 5 days only , and it's worked really well. The only side effect I have is a bitter taste in my mouth. I was very wary about taking it, as I take quite a lot of other medications, but wouldn't hesitate to take it again. XXX

[Hidden]

I have been taking Prednisalone for four weeks now still have another 4 weeks plus. Started on 6 per day for 1 week then five per day for 1 week then 4 per day for 2 weeks down to 3 per day for two weeks then 2 per day onwards plus all the other Meds I am on. Most of this is due to Sarcoid/ Copd.

[O2Trees]

Basically it's a balance of risks Pilch55. Ive taken pred off and on all my adult life for asthma and now copd and bronchiectasis. The main symptom I get is becoming a bit manic and having trouble sleeping when Im on it. No sign of glaucoma or diabetes so far, but I do have steroid induced osteoporosis in my hips. But that's after a long time of taking it. People are different though and although you can ask for others' experiences on it, it won't necessarily apply to you. In the end, if you need it then you need it and generally doctors are loathe to prescribe it unless you do. So my advice would be to try the course and see how you get on.

[Pilch55]

Thank you all for your replies. I've only been put on a short course. I think the idea is to see how it goes as I often experience bad pollen reactions in the spring and may well need a further course then.

[Hidden]

It does help. In the short term even. I didnt notice bad side effects.

[Fionafish]

Took it for five days and most nights were spent wide awake - bit gruesome but got better and also read lots of books. Good luck to you.

[Caspiana]

Hello Pilch55 .

I am on it full time. I was hoping to get off for awhile but after my latest LFT my pulmonologist said no. To be honest, there are some side effects but everyone is different and not everyone experience it. How many mgs are you on? Don't be overly worried. It really doesn't help our breathing to be stressed. Like anything new, it will just take time to adjust. Please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🌿

[lKeith]

Pilch55

Hi, I've taken prednisolone each time I have antibiotics and as a steroid find that they help you to recover quicker. The only side effect has been they allow me to put on weight, otherwise no adverse side effects.

IKeith

[warwickstag]

Worth trying to help a short term problem but would not recommend long term use. Been on steroids most of my life and I've had or got just about every side-effect known. Cataracts, glaucoma, type 2 early onset diabetes, and wafer thin skin which bruises when you just look at it. They also increase your appetite so watch what you eat. Good luck.

[mary76]

Hi Pilch55 I've been on and off Prednisolone for about two years, I've had to take six course this year. The only side effects I have had is increased appetite and I've got wafer thin skin that bruises very easily. But if you need them to help you breath take them. Wish you well Mary76

[Janlyn1953]

I guess it depends on how ill you are.

I have taken them in the past, and it has caused lots of problems for me.

So I won't take them anymore, the recovery is longer, but I get there.