Switching deflazacort for prednisone

[tiffmnz]

I was taking 10mg of prednisone per day. About a month ago I went to a consult and the doctor recommend switching to Deflazacort, 15mg per day the first week and then 7.5mg. I've been taking it for a month but now I can't afford Deflazacort anymore so I was wondering if I can go back to prednisone and if I can take the same dosis I was taking before or if I should lower the dosis.

[oldtimer]

This is a bit beyond our capabilities! You need to consult the doctor again about what to do.

[AgedCrone]

Presumably you aren't in the UK?

I'd ask your doctor if there is something you can afford which will mean you don't have to go back on Pred..

But don't mess about with prescribing your own dose ....In my mind Pred is avoided as much as possible, although I do understand when you have to pay for expensive meds it's not easy.

I hope your doctor can help.

[nomoreheels]

I was asked to do the same, but changing from deflazacort to prednisolone. The reason for this was because def isn't available in low dose (lower than 6mg tablets) & as I'm attempting to taper off steroids it wasn't suitable once I'd halved the dose as there's only the one score mark enabling a lowest accurate dose of 3mg. As pred is available in 1mg tablets I can now reduce safely. I'm sort of surprised if you're attempting to come off steroids you've been prescribed def, for the same reason, unless wherever you are it's available in lower dose than 6mg?

To your problem, you shouldn't go back on pred without consulting the prescriber. It may be that if it's the only option you could but you need to be honest & explain why you're asking the question. I'm sorry you're in this position but you mustn't just stop the def. You must have been on them a while so they must be tapered to allow your body's natural cortisol production to resume. If you stop them abruptly you could have withdrawal symptoms, severe fatigue, nausea, achy body so please don't just stop. This will mean you'll need to contact the prescriber as a matter of urgency so if you are unable to see him/her I hope you're able to have a telephone consultation for instruction at least.

I hope things turn out well for you... & if I may also say I hope we both manage to get off steroids. 😏