Rectal bleed

[Lin-63]

I know that Prednisolone has many and varied side effects, but last night I had a very sudden rectal bleed, was very frightening. Phoned 111 they sent out para-medic we came to the conclusion that it could be due to the Pred. Has anyone else encountered this problem? I am seeing GP later this morning.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I haven't heard anyone mention this side effect but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Pred can have a blood thinning effect, and if you are also taking aspirin that could perhaps add to the risk of a bleed. You are wise to seek advice to rule out all the possibles, including polyps or hemmorhoids. Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

[jane57]

Hi Lin-63, sorry to hear that you have had such a scare. When we chatted recently you mentioned taking Alendronic acid ? Was wondering if that could be the culprit for gastro irritation. You have probably already thought of that, but I know my Doctor did mention that Pred can also cause stomach probs. good luck with your GP visit and I hope you get to the bottom of this problem. Please let us know. Jane.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You are the first person I have heard mention it - how scary for you. I have had rectal bleeds in the past which were due to piles but it does look an awful lot of blood! Pred does make some people prone to bleeding so piles plus pred probably is enough for it to happen.

Hope the GP comes up with a good answer.

[Lin-63]

GP seemed to think its the Pred. she examined me and palpated my stomach, she also told me to reduce Pred by 5mg ? Blood pressure slightly raised, and have to have blood test Monday.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lin-63]

Lin, if your GP believes the bleed is Pred-related, then if your GCA symptoms have resolved over the last 4 weeks, a reduction in dose sounds wise. However, I would have thought your GP would have perhaps liaised with your rheumy on this one for a second opinion. Perhaps also the biopsy results are available. I do hope that frightening experience turns out to be a one-off.

[Lin-63]

Thanks Celtic, pains in head are much less than when I was taken into hospital, but they are still there niggling in the background. Just have to wait until I see Rheumy in two weeks !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lin-63]

Contact your rheumy asap if there is any increase in the symptoms if you do reduce. It's a bit cavalier of a GP to tell you to reduce if you ask me!