Dosing Prednisone at end.: Because my thrush is not... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,317 members40,424 posts

Dosing Prednisone at end.

Leeleep profile image
15 Replies

Because my thrush is not leaving while on Prednisone and all GCA symptoms are in remission I need to get off Prednisone ASAP. I’m at 6 mgs for 8 days. I saw a post earlier stating the person reduced.by .05 mgs a week. Is that considered safe? I see rheumatologist next week and will see what she thinks.

Still have PMR but also on Actemra.

All that I eat has a slimy Vaseline taste from the thrush,

went to infectious dis doc and he had me on 100

mgs Diflucan s day. A week of taking snd still no relief snd concerned that it might hurt my liver because of being on Actemra. Labs will show. Rheumatologist will most likely not be happy that I was given the long dosing of Diflucan . I also have CVID that I receive gammagobulin monthly to replace my antibodies but skipped treatments for almost 6 months and hopeful that beginning infusions last month will also help lower the yeast level, I’m so depressed and worn out with all this. Sorry for rambling but always looking for input. I do low carb and high protein diet. Mostly grain free and clean.

Written by
Leeleep profile image
Leeleep
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
15 Replies
Carrollee profile image
Carrollee

Hi leeleep, really sorry about the thrush it sounds miserable. I have pmr/GCA and on steroids just under 3years. I don't have thrush but I made a decision to take a strong probiotic daily from the start of pred treatment and believe this has prevented it. The hospital often ask if I have thrush and I mention the probiotic capsules I take and they just say what a good idea. Keep away from sugar too. Check with doc that probiotics are ok with your other treatments. All best cc 💐

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply toCarrollee

Will start my probiotic capsules again . Thought they gave me a headache but I do use I good quality live acidophilus when I take prednisone. Diet is sugar free except for an occasional treat. Low on carbs too.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi Leeleep,

Your symptoms may not be there at 6mg, but then if the Pred is doing it’s job they shouldn’t be; however your GCA may well not be “in remission” and you won’t know that for sure until you are at zero Pred.

As for reducing at 0.5mg a week - it may well be safe, but whether it’s sensible I wouldn’t like to say.

I had a bout of thrush at very high doses of Pred, but a couple of treatments of antibiotics cleared it, and fortunately it never returned. As you are on a lower dose and haven’t had it before on higher doses then I would question whether the main blame lies with Pred. However you may find you need a couple of treatments like I did.

You need to speak to Rheumy of course, but personally I would go for a (or 2) short sharp bursts of abx than reduce Pred and risk a relapse.

Plus take Carrolee’s advice on probiotics.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply toDorsetLady

Thrush started out when on high dose prednisone and have had for months. Started before Actemra and on Prednisone alone but Actemra addition could be why I’m not seeing it leave, getting off the prednisone will not be an issue for GCA because I am protected with Actemra.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toLeeleep

Ok. Hope it works out for you.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply toDorsetLady

Thanks,

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toLeeleep

It MAY be an issue trying to do it too quickly despite the Actemra. It now all depends on your adrenal function returning well and below about 7mg that is as much a limiting factor as the GCA. If it doesn't you will put yourself at risk of an adrenal crisis. Usually they feel it takes a month for every month you were on higher dose pred.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply toPMRpro

Going to ask for adrenal function test.

stellafmdm profile image
stellafmdm

So sorry to hear about your thrush! I have a friend who has it right into her intestines and is on a totally no sugar no sweeteners diet plus very low carbs. she seems to live on sweet potato which, curiously, is allowed and makes her own bread out of porridge oats. It is a nightmare to find anything totally unsweetened to eat but the thrush thrives on sugars and sweeteners! Best of luck with yours.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply tostellafmdm

I’m on Diflucan and very diet aware. Judy a side effect of the prednisone .

altywhite profile image
altywhite

Hi Leeleep, I can sympathise with the thrush problem although mine is also due to inhalers, even though I rinse and rinse my mouth. My GP prescribes Daktarin Oral Gel for me. It works a treat and has stopped me from being on anti fungal meds every few months. It's not a long term solution and I find using it 3 or 4 times a day for a couple of days clears it up......oh, and drink plenty of water. Good luck.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply toaltywhite

Than you. I will look into it.

in reply toLeeleep

Check stool for strings of tissue looking material. I get thrush a lot and that's main sign it well inbedded. The Vaseline milky mouth under breasts and the usual vaginal areas slso effected. In fact in I wear jeans for more than a couple of hours a day it's gets severe. I have only found that diflucan and a total cut of all yeast growers. Sugar bread fungi and use probiotucs and prebiotic diet. Easy to Google. I buy a couple of packs of 10 cheap toothbrushes and change brush everyday for a few weeks ensuring i brush tongue then salt rinse. But not too much salt cos it can burn.

Oh and btw...dont use anti bacterial/antiseptic mouthwash.

Leeleep profile image
Leeleep in reply to

Thank you.

JanetGarrettN profile image
JanetGarrettN

Leleep

I can certainly empathize with the thrush situation. I came down with sinus which led to bronchitis and then to pneumonia starting Thanksgiving period between 3 rounds of antibiotics and an albuterol inhaler the thrush was in full force on December 23rd. My maximum dose as I was just diagnosed PMR and October 2017 is 15 mg. The doctor prescribed Nystatin 100,000 unit mouthwash which I use Swish and swallow four times a day. The diet is imperative to be aware of. This may be a better Avenue than the Diflucan. Best of luck to you.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Lots of awful pain.

I’m at 4.5 prednisone and take Actemra weekly. Been on prednisone around 14 months. Was as high...
Leeleep profile image

Hydrocortisone Dosing

My cortisol test was 3.1 and rheumatologist sent me to endocrinologist to switch my prednisone to...
Leeleep profile image

Pred and Actemra

Thank you to those of you who answered my questions last week about restarting Prednisone because...
Mahler2 profile image

Suffering severely. Cortisol too low.

I posted last around three months ago and asked about members who might be taking supplements to...
Leeleep profile image

Discontinue prednisone at 9 mgs.

My thrush is not getting better and now after 10 months I’m down to 9 from 60. I am on Actemra....
Leeleep profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.