Pmr - prednisone and yeast infections

[Kanguish]

I am 50 years old and recently (one month ago) diagnosed with PMR. I am currently taking 15 mg of prednisone and feeling good but now I am getting yeast infections . It that a side effect from prednisone ? Has anyone else experienced this ? If so , how did the doctor treat you ?

[Pongo13]

I've been plagued for nearly a year with yeast infections but everything, including PMR, was put down to being run down after hip fracture before eventual diagnosis back end of last year. Last week, Pharmacy sold me some meds for mouth thrush which now seems to be helping. I've had fungal toe (treated myself), also had recurring thrush in an intimate place and again treated myself. I believe mouth thrush can be side effect when taking pred. (I seem to learn everything I need to know from this site). I fully sympathise with you. If over the counter meds fail to resolve then the instructions always tell you to go to the doctor. People more sensible than me will no doubt answer more fully but you aren't alone!

[Kanguish in reply to Pongo13]

Thank you !

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'm afraid it is a common side effect of pred - but not one i have personally ever had to deal with for some reason.

You can probably help things by cutting carbs, especially sugars. That also helps others side effects such as developing steroid induced diabetes and weight gain.

Your doctor should be able to provide creams and other means of controlling the thrush.

[Kanguish in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for responding

[Hidden]

Hi. Apart from the fact the immune system is impacted by pred it also spikes blood sugar which encourages candida/thrush. Thrush oral tablets and creams can be purchased otc or prescribed. Only wear loose cotton underwear if it strikes in intimate areas. Jeans are a no no for me when it strikes. If in mouth I always change toothbrush daily until controlled. Sounds a lot but you can buy really cheap packs. As A fungal infection it's going to hang about on brushes. Mild salt water rinses daily.

Reduce all sugar from.diet or have no sugar until you get it cleared up. There are prebiotic and probiotucs foods you can add to diet ...just Google.

From experience i know it can really be sore and get you down. Having had diabetes for 18yrs it's an old enemy. Given that pred quadrupled my blood sugar in 9 months I try and attack it orally and with creams pessaries and diet. Oh and if anyone has false teeth or a small palette like me it must be removed at night to stop thrush occurring. Good luck!!🌻

[Kanguish in reply to Hidden]

Thanks!

[Nagswoman]

I eat bio yoghurt every morning with my preds. Not the silly little bottles but proper yoghurt. I used to have to take preds for asthma. Learnt that trick years ago. Works for me.

[Hidden in reply to Nagswoman]

Yes and soothes intimate areas as topical application.♴