Prednisolone dosage

What side effects are still likely on daily 5mg of Prednisolone, especially as a long term maintenance dose? Thank you.

[Hidden]

Hi gibgal, the side effects are minimal. Here is a post by HeronNS from a short time ago that outlines it.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

If I get to 5mg and stay there indefinitely I have no issues with that. 🌻

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. That’s reassuring!

[Koalajane]

The only side effects I have on 5mg is that I still have blood sugar spikes. These are not however as high as they were on a higher dose.

[Hidden in reply to Koalajane]

That’s good to hear, thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends on the person but generally fairly minimal for most. It is about the same amount as the body produces naturally in the form of cortisol and which is essential for the body to function. It is excess corticosteroid that leads to most adverse effects - and the body knows there is corticosteroid available so produces less, just enough to top the pred dose up if it is less than you need.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, but I’m a bit confused. Does that mean if I’m taking 5mg my body won’t produce the natural 5?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

No, it will maybe produce a tiny bit to top the total up to about 7mg - like your central heating will just produce a bit of heat if the woodburning stove isn't warming the room to the temperature on the thermostat. Depends how much of the 5mg you are absorbing, that varies too.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Wow, it’s all so complicated which is why I appreciate this group!

[Gary1310]

Results from a recent blood test are that my Adrenals have reactivated. I have taped from 20 mg. to a dose of 3 mg. Starting today, for month of Nov. I feel well, still pacing myself. I will be off Prednisone Feb.1, if all goes well. I may be at the beach on vacation and if I am then I will stay on 1 mg., until I drive home.....just to be

safe.

[Hidden in reply to Gary1310]

So pleased for you!

[Gary1310]

Thank you, I am hopeful that I continue to heal. It has been almost a year....

[Tonch]

Thanks for this question as I’m currently on 4.5mg maintenance dose too and answers a lot of my concerns. Personally have no side effects after 4.5months, but I did read a paper last month that found that bone density can still be slowly degraded above 2.5mg - see if I can dig it up again ‘out of it’s ditch’

[Hidden in reply to Tonch]

Thank you, I am comforted by your experience too!