Does anyone know what the difference is between steroid injections and prednisolone tablets?

[AFrances]

I was taking a short course of prednisolone, but my rheum suggested I stop that and have a steroid injection instead (one that goes into muscle I think).

She seemed keener for me to have the injection, as opposed to the tablets.

Didn’t question it at the time, but how is it any different, does anyone know? Are the effects more or less the same in terms of ‘moon face’ etc and how long for that to come on?

I only took oral prednisolone 15mg for 4 days so never developed the side effects

Thanks!!

[weathervane]

I just had the same discussion with the rheumy nurse this evening, my treatment has been delayed a year while i had radiotherapy. I wontbe getting rituximab until December 8th and I wanted something to tide me over until then. I have had a steroid shot in the past and it has helped, I haven’t had the tablets . The shot didn’t give me any side effects other than a flushed face and a sleepless night .

Hope you can get more advice, best wishes xx

[Sarahmac8312 in reply to weathervane]

The best way to describe the injection is a targeted area rather than all over as the tablets take while to disolve. I have had both so if I have to have injections I will have without the local anestetic

[weathervane in reply to Sarahmac8312]

Hi Sarah, I have had targeted shots into joints on a number of occasions if thats what you mean , and once a general depo shot which was to help overall pain .

[Sarahmac8312 in reply to weathervane]

yes that is what I meant

[Florence91]

Depot injection works much quicker giving amazing relief last time I needed it. Pred tabs much slower and lower dose for longterm treatment. Hope you feel better soon