Just started Prednisone 5mg and Xeljanz ER to go along with the Sulphasalazine....

[Radiogirl]

I don't seem to be having any of the listed side effects except for my blood pressure has gone through the roof. I was already taking 3 different blood pressure meds, so as I've noticed such an increase in my BP I called my pharmacist and asked her if any of my meds that are in my profile could be be causing the recent rise. She said she could not find any contraindications.

Since starting Sulphasalazine, my cardiologist, who prescribes my BP meds noticed a change in my heart rythms and he had me do a stress test and new echocardiogram last Wednesday. I don't know the results yet (obviously). I started the Xeljanz and Prednisone after the tests on Friday. I'll call him on Monday to let him know about the increase, which to me seems quite alarming.

In the meantime, has anyone experienced any increased BP with the combination of Sulphasalazine, Prednisone and Xeljanz? Do DMARDS or Biologics generally do this? I know pain can be one cause of high BP and I've had a lot of it lately. Maybe that could be one factor here. But, it seemed like my BP meds were doing a pretty good job up until Friday.

Thanks in advance for any replies. 😊

[oldtimer]

My blood pressure goes up with prednisolone too.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I developed T2 diabetes after a month on prednisone! I was very lucky that I was taking part in a pre-diabetes study at the time and was picked up so early.

[AllyWelshDragon]

I've been on Sulphasalazine for 6 years and methotrexate for one year but my BP is slightly on the low side, which is normal for me. The only time I took prednisolone it made me sick and I couldn't tolerate it!

Ally x

[Neonkittie17]

Prednisone made my B/P raised too not long after being on the initial high dose before tapering. My B/P was usually excellent so it was the reason.