antibiotics and prednisolone

[Chrismag]

I have had a cold and productive cough for 5 weeks and it seems to be getting worse. Feel really awful. Does anyone know if it's OK to see my doctor to ask for antibiotics as I am taking prednisolone (20mg) I have both pmr and gca.

[Annodomini]

I have had antibiotics several times over the years when I've also been on prednisolone. Earlier this year I had six weeks on one antiB, to try to clear a chronic sinus infection - it failed - and there was never any conflict between the two medications.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is no reason not to take abx while on pred - though it is a good idea to avoid using anything from the quinolone group as they can cause achilles tendonitis anyway and the risk is higher when on steroids, especially methyl prednisolone. Been there, done that, it isn't funny!

Quinolones include Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan Ophthalmic and Cipro) Levofloxacin (Levaquin and QUIXIN Ophthalmic) Lomefloxacin (Maxaquin) Moxifloxacin (Avelox) - i.e. their names usually end in -oxacin.

And it is better to go to the doctor sooner rather than later if you have a chest infection. Being on pred tends to mask inflammation and you could be worse than you think.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Took antibiotics on higher doses than 20mg, no adverse effect. As others have said, get it treated sooner rather than later.

[AussieBev]

Christmag. Don't ignore your cough; see your GP a.s.a.p. I came off Prednisolone over a year ago (had been on it since 2012) and my Rheumatologst prescribed Methotrexate (25mg once a week); followed by Folic Acid tab. two days later. Early September this year I developed a cough, together with shortness of breath. Found it difficult to walk anywhere without having to sit down on any available seat. Went on a P. & O. 7 day cruise out of Cairns, Queensland (I live in Adelaide, South Australia) and finished up in the ship's medical centre with pneumonia. Transferred to Cairns Base Hospital by ambulance from the ship after the 7 day cruise and was there for 10 days (four in I.C.U.) before being allowed to fly back home, accompanied by an oxygen tank, which fortunately I did not need on the flight. Recent Xray has shown base of left lung is still not clear; undergoing further tests this week. So please don't ignore your cough. I have now been taken off Methotrexate, however, my PMR symptoms (stiffness in joints) has returned. Ran up a bill of $12,000+ and although husband and I had travel insurance (wouldn't travel without it), the insurance company has not been forthcoming with our claim (as yet)!

Sorry to have been so long-winded with my reply.

[Chrismag in reply to AussieBev]

Thank you for your very sound advice. I went to my gp yesterday and he gave me antibiotics ( amoxycillin 500 mg 3 x daily for 5 days) and arranged for a chest X ray. It's difficult deciding what to do so all the advice from fellow suffers is invaluable. Thank you one and all.

[Megams]

~Sound advice AussieBev and wishing you a speedy recovery if there is such a thing ~

[Caro12line]

I have had several chest infections and one bout of pleurisy whilst on Pred. Doctor has prescribed antibiotics and upped the Pred to 30mg for a week with a very fast (daily) taper down to original dose.

[Nethyman]

Hi

Last week I needed a tooth extraction. Dentist recommended antibiotics as I was on a high dose of Prednisolone. Checked with GP who confirmed that this was OK.

Do get an appointment with your GP and get professional advice.

Best wishes

David

[SusanEleven]

Four months into my PMR treatment I had a brutal sinus infection, my first in decades (thanks Prednisone!). I have allergies to certain antibiotics so was treated with doxycycline. No problems taking it with my steroids.

[Jackoh]

I had chest infection about 2 months ago while on 20mgs of pred. Made appointment to see doctor who asked me why I had bothered to come to see him as I wasn't someone at risk I.e. diabetic or asthmatic !!! ..... and so it goes on!!! Happy to say it cleared up on its own after about a couple of weeks.

[karools16 in reply to Jackoh]

Shocking when a gp acts like that. As a COPD patient, on 3 mg Pred, I went, as an asthmatic, to my gp to ask how I could increase dosage. Ignored. Saw nurse, who upped it to 40mg. I have just been discharged from an 8 day hospital stay, in the Respiratory ward, with Pred, being slowly tapered back to 3mg. It's the attitude of the doctors. Diabetes/asthma are not a prerequisite for a patients cry for help.

[Jackoh]

Glad Karools16 that you have now recovered from your ordeal and have been discharged home. Hope you will soon be feeling more like yourself. So little seems to be known about these conditions ( PMR/GCA) by many GPs unfortunately and how they impact on other things.