Can prednisone cause hives.

[Skenjin]

A few days ago when taking my daily dose of 25 mg prednisone I started to feel panicky, complete with the feeling of chest tightness and some difficulty swallowing. At first I dismissed it, knowing prednisone can cause panic attacks and I am prone to them.

Next day same symptoms, but noticed hives in my mouth and back of throat. Told my GI doctor, since I have to taper off the prednisone, but she dismissed it as unlikely. Now I have the dilemma where I have not been prescribed an alternative to taper with, and it seems I'm damned to suffer potentially life threatening problems whether I take it or not.

I started the prednisone in June as IV Solumedrol daily through a picc line, this last month has tapered me to 25 mg, Wednesday was the first dose of 25 mg.

Also don't know if it is relevant, but from Wednesday to sunday my tongue had a layer of white, which is gone now.

If it's some sort of allergy, could I do something like take a benadryl 30 minutes before taking the prednisone? I really don't want to go through an adrenal crisis from stopping cold turkey but the potential allergic reaction I'm having to it scares me as well and I do not know which is the lesser of the 2 evils.

[Hidden]

As I’m not a Doctor, I can’t provide advice. The only thing I would say is that Prednisone is the sort of thing that tends to counterattack things like hives. For example skin creams for skin rashes tend to be hydrocortisone based.

Perhaps a visit to the GP might be the best thing to do? Cheers Deb

[medway-lady]

I think that this must be something to discuss again with your GP or another health care proffessional as it sounds so complex. Its worth remembering that coinidences do happen and it may be just that but best to be sure. It may not be an allergic reaction but sensativity as my allergic reaction to Penicilin is quick, as it minutes and the lips and throat, tongue swells and i can't breathe. And it is frightening so I do sympathise but know you need to know for the future. Best of luck.

[BonnieT]

It’s probably thrush. A friend takes prednisone when needed and always gets thrush. I think it’s a common reaction.

[nomoreheels]

We're like you & just have RD, not medically trained so unable to give medical advice. I'd see your GP, or possibly another one in your Practice? This needs expert advice.

I'd ask to be seen as a matter of urgency, you're correct in thinking you can't just stop the prednisolone, you need a safe tapering plan. A GP should be able to give you this. If your throat starts closing up obviously get yourself down or have someone take you to A&E.

Take care.

[AgedCrone]

If you have a rheumy nurse contact her today. If unable to speak to her call 111...they have trained people who can help you and if necessary they can make an appointment for you to see a Doctor locally who will advise you. I had horrible central nervous system symptoms and my rheumatologist took me off Pred straightaway . I had only been on it for about a week and my anxiety levels were off the scale. As I have posted many times for me it was the drug from hell.

I don't know if it could causing the hives, but I would advise you to get some medical advice ASAP how to taper the Pred.

I do hope you get sorted soon.

[Judetheobscure]

I'm currently taking Nystan for thrush at back of throat. This was the first time I'd taken prednisolone and I'd read a sore throat could be one of the side affects so ignored it for a while. I've also read that it (thrush) can affect the absorption of nutrients so possibly the reason my hair is coming out in handfuls. Couldn't find a warning of thrush in side effects.