Prednisone & sweet smelling breath

[VicSat]

Ever since I started on 60mg daily for GCA I'm conscious of a sweet smell with my brearth. I've been tapering for 6 months and am now on 8mg daily. I will bring this up at my next telephone appointment.

Is this a frequent side effect with prednisolone?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Has your doctor been monitoring your Hba1c and blood sugar levels? One side effect of pred can be steroid-induced diabetes and that may be a cause of sweet smelling breath,

[RCCO]

Sweet breath could be a sign of elevated blood sugar level as a side effect of steroids. This could be serious. I would have your primary doctor this week check your blood glucose level as prolonged steroid use can lead to diabetes.

[Hidden]

Hi agree with whats been said. You need your hba1c checked immediately.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It could well be ketoacidosis so please check asap.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ket...

[Theziggy]

Check for diabetes - sweet breath is one of the classic signs!

[VicSat]

Thanks all. Will contact GP

[Kajaraho]

I did not experience this. I should get it checked immediately. Good luck.