Prednisone and ocrevus?

[jkdavid99]

I thought I had posted this but I cant find it. Does anyone know why a person on ocrevus shouldnt take prednisone? A doctor, not my usual one said not to take them together. Does anyone know why?

I will call my neurologist tomorrow.

Thank you

Jenny

[JMWCO]

I’m curious to know as I took prednisone this summer when my allergies got bad and my chart certainly has Ocrevus in it and im vocal what my meds are…granted it’s a list but still. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Frances_B]

I was aware that caution should be exercised in taking the two together as a frequent thing - probably because as a powerful anti-inflammatory Pred reduces some of the body's normal inflammatory processes which help fight disease etc, but have not heard of a blanket requirement that the two should not be taken together. Regardless, steroids should be treated with respect as they are powerful drugs with potentially nasty side effects, especially if used too often (just Google avascular hip necrosis to see one of the side effects that too many people don't take into consideration - including neuros who dole out steroids like sweets for every minor blip of MS symptoms ).

In any case, steroids are frequently given at the same time as an Ocrevus infusion to minimise infusion reactions. Definitely talk to your neuro for proper and informed advice.

[JTZES]

I don't know why they would give you prednisone other than the fact you get a steroid before they start the Ocrevus infusion. Usually they give the steroid through the IV which takes about 20 minutes to run. I could see a doctor prescribing the an oral dose of Prednisone to replace the IV version instead.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

I have been on Prednisone and on SoluMedrol and on Ocruvus. Like a lot of it! And they never said anything to me. Let us know!🤗💕🌠

[Sandydemop]

My understanding is that they counteract each other. Prednisone builds up your immune system and IV meds lower your immune system. That's why I couldn't take the vaccine and steroids/meds together.

[Frances_B in reply to Sandydemop]

No, steroids do not "build" your immune system, they actually weaken it because they damp down the body's natural inflammatory processes which are part of fighting disease and promoting healing.

mayoclinic.org/steroids/art...

That's why if someone is on steroids for a while they find that minor cuts etc don't heal, or seem to take forever to do so.

[Sandydemop in reply to Frances_B]

my mistake

[Frances_B in reply to Sandydemop]

There are so many things that work in different ways it's easy to get confused

[Sandydemop in reply to Frances_B]

ok so can you clarify why i couldn't take the vaccine and iv cortisone together?

[Frances_B in reply to Sandydemop]

It's not a question I've had to deal with, but a quick Google search turned up the following articles.

opsmc.com.au/articles/covid...

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

pulsetoday.co.uk/covid-19-p...

It appears that it's possible that steroids may interfere with someone having a strong response to the vaccine, however the evidence is not strong and not tested, so the medical advice seems to erring on the side of caution.

[Sandydemop in reply to Frances_B]

thanks for doing the research

[NanaCC]

I get prednisone, Benadryl and Ocrevus, I’d question his advise

[jkdavid99 in reply to NanaCC]

I do as well which i why I was confused. It sounds like small doses are fine just not often

[jkdavid99]

After hearing from my neurologist, he said prednisone is fine while on ocrevus. A short dose for sure but keep 3 months in between taking prednisone each time. I hope that makes sense. I'll ask again at my next appointment.

[jkdavid99 in reply to jkdavid99]

Thank you for all your advice