Taking Pills

[jules1955]

Quick question, I find eating early morning very difficult. What is the least I could eat to take Pred ? Could I eat one dry biscuit ( like a rich tea biscuit ) would that be enough to help / protect tummy ?

I also take Levothyroxine and Lisinopril.

[SheffieldJane]

Can you drink milk? That has worked for me in the past. I normally have organic, Greek style yoghurt with a little honey - I am heartily sick of it but I don’t like eating first thing. The biscuit may not be enough.

Just for interest. When do you take your Levothyroxine? I learned on here that it should be on an empty stomach well away from other drugs. I find this tricky.

[jules1955 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hi Jane, I don’t drink milk of any kind and struggle with yogurt In the morning.

Usually take thyroid pill first thing with mint tea.

Was told I can take Lisinopril with Preds.

[SheffieldJane in reply to jules1955]

Doesn’t that make taking Pred rather late in the morning? I always try to take Pred first to help me get moving ( less crucial now at my stage). I wonder if a fruit smoothie would work for you? I am loathed to recommend drugs like Omeprazole because the didn’t suit me, they might suit you.

[jules1955 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I hated Omeprazole 🤢

[Shandkydd in reply to jules1955]

Omeprazole was a life saver for me , I was in pain In tummy and sick everyday for months, ended up with a heamoglobin count of 60. Was so happy to take it, still do so maybe that’s protecting me from the pred, still get the diverticulitis pains but quite rarely now. Shame it wasn’t any good for you and others, I was happy to not be sick any more. Stay well. Jules

[HeronNS in reply to Shandkydd]

Haemoglobin count of 60?

[Shandkydd in reply to HeronNS]

I think that’s what started all of the rest including pmr. Heamoglobin should be in the 130 count range, I was borderline transfusion, thought I had a lingering cold thing, couldn’t breath even after walking to loo , went on from feb to July. Got DVT cos was permanently tired and working full time , when I got home I just pottered, found the low counts after a routine blood pressure check , the nurse asked what exercise I did and I told her bugger all cos so tired, the result of the test then prompted, inside out body checks, oh my Lord!! Sliding oesophageal hernia, oesophagitis, diverticulitis, and Polymyalgia Rheumatica, anything else I asked, lol. No nasties found for which I was grateful, my dad died of stomach cancer, and I thought I had that. The omozrapole made me feel so much better and taking iron pills picked up the anaemia, just get rid of the pmr and I may be human again. Just gone home early from work today I felt I was a liability driving about , started the shift taking the wrong double decker, should have taken the hint then, bashed my mirrors, nearly clouted a skip, defo go home time, safer for the passengers, doubled the pred because of a flare up plus pain killers for thigh muscle. Watching a film called Glass now, a bit odd but ok. Stay well .

[HeronNS in reply to Shandkydd]

I thought haemoglobin was around 13 or 14. We must be talking about different measurements? Was your ferritin checked?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A glass of milk or some yoghurt would be better.

Or have you considered trying some before bed and the rest later in the morning? Splitting the dose, whatever times you do it, can make it possible to take a morning dose much later with breakfast.

[jules1955 in reply to PMRpro]

Maybe I need to rethink how I take my pills ? A biscuit not enough then ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jules1955]

Depends - for some people yes, for others no. You can only try. But it might work well if you take 2/3 in the morning with breakfast and the rest later in the day so the effect lasts until next morning and the 2/3 dose. Experiment a bit

[jules1955 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Yellowbluebell in reply to jules1955]

I don't take my pred with anything and i dont take a ppi. Its not necessarily the right way but it works for me especially as i want to avoid taking any more drugs with more side effects. As pro days you can only try other ways and see how you go. YBB

[jules1955 in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Are you not worried about it affecting your tummy ?

[Yellowbluebell in reply to jules1955]

I decided to give it a go without anything and so far fingers crossed i havent had any signs that suggest my tummy is upset. It isnt a route for everyone but sometimes you have to try these things. Please dont try it if you have worries about your stomach already

[jules1955 in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I just assumed if you don’t take with food it will damage your stomach ?

[Yellowbluebell in reply to jules1955]

Not sure that is always the result but i just didnt want to take any more drugs with all the side effects that go with each one. Pred is my friend even with all the side effects that MAY happen but i dont need any others to contend with unless i actually need them. Others have given you suggestions on how to take it with other foods and if you are at all.worried about your stomach i wouldnt reccomend you try my way, it was just a different route you could take if you wanted. I accept that if i start having stomach issues i will have to take pred with food or use a ppi but until that time i am keeping my fingers crossed.xx

[7Louise in reply to PMRpro]

Hi all, couldn’t sleep again this morning, I know we all know to eliminate as much sugar as we can in our diet and I am quite naturalpathic in my approach to meds and food, but this early morning read might be of interest to some, I don’t really like the taste of this substitute but it may help some with their inflammation, since Christmas eating always sets me off, I’m about to really get in touch with my diet again, and wanted to share

Btw, my name should be 7Louise not 7 Louis, haha but I don’t know how to change it🥴

From article:

We are constantly reminded that we need to reduce the amount of sugar we consume. Some of the reasons include the fact that Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise, as well as obesity and inflammation, all of which are negatively influenced by increased sugar consumption. Sugar intake is also linked to behavioural problems in children, as well as an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. High sugar consumption also influences your immune response and can reduce healing and recovery times from colds, flu and infections. The problem is not that we are unaware of the harmful effects of sugar, it’s how difficult it is to avoid sugar consumption throughout our day.

Sugar or some sugar substitutes are added into many of the foods you consume; even our condiments are laden with sugar. Why? Because sugar makes things taste better and human nature is to consume foods that are pleasing to the palate. The alternative for the food industry has been to introduce artificial sweeteners, some of which have been known to pose health concerns with long-term use and may have a more negative impact on weight gain than traditional forms of sugar. It feels as if you have run out of options. But there is one alternative that is growing in popularity within the food industry and has been a long-time recommendation in natural remedies. Stevia, which is derived from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana (a member of the chrysanthemum family), is a subgroup of the daisy and ragweed family. Stevia is much sweeter than traditional sugar, the intensity of which is determined by the plants used in production. Some types of stevia may produce a slight licorice aftertaste. The most exciting thing about stevia, besides its plant-based origin, is that unlike other sugars, stevia contains zero calories and it does not raise blood sugar levels. Using a sugar substitute such as stevia may also provide some positive side effects. The use of stevia may help to reduce general inflammation, as it does not affect blood glucose levels, making it an excellent choice for any diabetic condition.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 7Louise]

Sounds like an extract from a marketing pitch ...

[7Louise in reply to PMRpro]

No, I get a naturalpathic site I joined, send me update on supplements etc that may help,

I just know I have to get off sugar, Christmas desserts only remind me to get back on track 🥴

[tangocharlie in reply to 7Louise]

Stevia is often mentioned on low carb and keto diets for those who really can't do without sweeteners and also in low-carb desserts.

[Theziggy]

I don't take anything with my early morning Pred, apart from a pint of water

[jules1955 in reply to Theziggy]

Do you take Omeprazole ?

[Theziggy in reply to jules1955]

Yes - but not at the same time as Pred

[DianeA1]

Hi, I take it wi unsweetened applesauce!

[piglette]

I have mine with a piece of hard cheese such as comte

[jules1955]

Hi Diane, how much do you take ?

[DianeA1 in reply to jules1955]

We get those snack packs, so each is a net weight of 3.9 oz. It is 4 or more spoonfuls.

[HeronNS]

I have always taken my pred with breakfast, which means I usually have it sometime between 7:30 and 8:30, which I assume most people don't consider early morning. This has been true since starting pred at 15 mg in 2015, up to today when I am nearly done a taper to one half mg.

[PMRCanada]

I used to eat half a banana when I was getting up at 2am yo take a split dose. Because coated pred is not available in Canada, I simply put uncoated tablets of my dose into coated empty capsules. Now I take it at 11pm at night and it’s on board by 2-3 am. This also for a less interrupted sleep, pills that sometimes fell on the floor in the dark, and sleeping through a dose.?Being that they are housed in a coated capsule, I don’t have to eat at all.

I also found frozen yoghurt tubes, that kids take to school in their lunchbox, ideal at the wee hours of the morning. Like eating a stick of frozen yoghurt. I’ve also taken pred with a few slices of cheese. Thus far I’ve not had any stomach issues at all, nor am I on any other medication.

Splitting your dose (with physicians blessing), allows for flexibility of when you take your dose. Mine is taken at 11pm and 11am, but as mentioned I don’t eat food with late night dose in coated capsule.

Hope you find a solution. May take a bit of experimentation.

[Purplecrow]

I take a small cup of yogurt to bedroom at night. When I need to take pills, just a spoonful or two soothes my tummy, no problem.

[spearce]

I take my Levothyroxin when I get up for a pee in the night. That way it doesn't clash with anything.

[Hidden]

I take mine with a rich tea biscuit and a cup of tea with no problems. I found milk and yoghurt hindered the absorption of the Pred as it coated my stomach

[Hellyowl]

I take mine with a cup of tea and 2 ginger biscuits in bed

[1964-karina]

I take mine with 2 belvita biscuits in the morning

[Loopy65]

I really struggle - I was already on lansoprazole for gerd so had to double it from the off. I also struggle to eat early but am doing the lansoprazole (and buscopan for IBS) - then eat two belvita then the steroids and other meds and another two belvita. My stomach is still borderline reactive so I have to keep still for an hour or so to let it settle. Quite annoying but at least I don’t have the hideous pain levels that I had pre steroids!!

[TheMoaningViolet]

I take Omeprazole as my rheumatologist insists, but I had a break from it for a couple of weeks and did not feel particularly affected by the steroids. That said, I make sure I eat a substantial breakfast often with eggs and gluten-free nut and oats bread, a glass of kefir, sometimes a piece of fruit and always a cup or two of tea. I start with Omeprazole and a glass of water followed by a probiotic, eat for England, take prednisolone with kefir, and wait to take my Adcal and turmeric pill for a while, once I have finished my tea.

I was not a breakfast person and used to start my day more often than not with a cup of coffee, but I wanted to protect my tummy, so I changed my routine and by now I look forward to it as part of my morning ritual. I usually eat at 8am, but I realise that I am lucky not to feel too awful in the morning.

[Hunter134 in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

I read that we can t a probiotic on steroids.

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to Hunter134]

Hi Hunter134,

I have not seen any credible claims along those lines. I can't see how it would be bad to improve your gut biome in any way you can (I try to eat fermented food as well). But, I will look into it, thank you for mentioning it. Vx

[ParsnipSoup]

I have always taken mine with a mug of tea and two plain biscuits.

[GerriMc]

Can I ask, is it necessary to take your meds early in the morning? I’m like you, I can’t eat early plus I do intermittent fasting so I usually eat breakfast at 10am. I take my meds after that. You end up taking them every 24 hours anyway so does it really matter when that 24 hours starts?

[TheMoaningViolet in reply to GerriMc]

PMRPro will have a comprehensive answer to your question, but I was advised to take them in the morning as for some people steroids can disrupt sleep.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

I take mine in the morning but still dont sleep more than 4 hours because if pred induced insomnia. Last night no sleep at all even though pred was taken at 7am!!

[GerriMc in reply to TheMoaningViolet]

Oh yes, I would still take it in the morning, just not so early as to have to change eating patterns.

[Hidden in reply to GerriMc]

The morning has been the practice as it is suggested it mimics adrenals but because we are often on pred for years that aspect is minor. The other reason morning, or 2am is seen as a good time is that the blighters (cytokines) that are significant in inflammation processes are released around 4ish. The idea is to stop their impact before it gets a hold of you like before diagnosis when pain and stiffness is reported at its worst for most. I am currently on 7mg. I take 5mg coated pred between 10 and 11pm as the coated means it's releases @ 6hrs later in time to be active for the morning inflammation. I then take 2mg uncoated with breakfast as this seems to give me a boost in the morning after a couple of hours. I was messing about with other things last night and forgot my 5mg...i have felt the difference. In general it's good to find the best time for you. But that is (sort of as less eloquent than pmrpro), why morning recommended.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Hidden]

Its sounds rightxx

[Singr]

Dilemmas. I can’t take any dairy products just now as they irritate my digestive system. I have to avoid for 6 weeks. then introduce. I’ve to avoid processed sugary foods to help with inflammation so biscuits are out. Considering fingernails assuming I don’t react to them. 😂😂😂. I take omeprasole in the morning before pred (Wish I didn’t have to) then 1st adcal. Perhaps pred wrapped on cold meat 🤔🤔

[Hidden in reply to Singr]

Anything that lines tummy.... Banana?? Soya yoghurt?

[ParsnipSoup in reply to Singr]

I have Maria Sugar Free biscuits

[readingbooks]

I have tried most suggestions over the nearly 3 years since my diagnosis but here is the one that works best for me at the moment.

I too find it difficult to eat in the early morning.

I keep a pack of cubed cheese in the freezer, take a couple out when i go to bed and leave them on my bedside table along with my pred which I take around 6- 7 or so when I finally decide I really am not going to get any more sleep. They are unfrozen but still quite cool by morning.

Not sure how well this will work during our hot southern Ontario summer, but for now it's fine. Just a thought !

[Pixix]

Me, too...never eat breakfast & I dislike yoghurt (a lot)! I take my 15mg Pred with one large savoury/bland biscuit & at the moment I’m trialling 2 Ritz crackers. All seems well & it appears it’s sufficient food for me, anyway! I tried Bonbel individual cheeses, but now in Florida and it would get too hot! Also tried individual Philadelphia cheese, but they were too big, needed a spoon etc..but I was on keto diet then & didn’t want to eat carbs. Good luck!

[tangocharlie]

My GP insists I take something with Pred eg food, or something like Ranitidine or a PPI as she says otherwise stomach bleeds could be a dire consequence. I prefer to take Pred with food rather than drugs even if only a piece of cold meat or a Baby Bel cheese or whatever is in the fridge.

[Luciejc]

I have been taking my Prednisone and morning pills with milk. It works for me.

[jules1955]

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions ❤️