Prednisone vs Methylprednisolone

[Luciejc]

I went to my rheumatologist today with comp!aunts and she decided to try a different steroid. Anyone familiar with or have experience with Methylprednisolone ? Would love I put. Thanks!

[Grammy80]

Hi! I was started on Prednisone in August 2019 and things did not improve...I was taking 100 mg pred. In very early September I was switched to Prednisolone. It is stronger and absorbed into the system differently. I've been a hard nut to crack but I'm thankful for you that the Doctor had the presence to switch you if the Prednisone wasn't effective....which was the case for me. PMRPro and Dorset Lady and some of the more experienced ladies will be helpful too...💖 xo

[Luciejc in reply to Grammy80]

Thank you so much, Marilyn. You have so much experience in such a short time of being diagnosed and willingly share so much information. I am grateful. Hopefully I'll get some relief since I am thinking perhaps I am adding PMR to my GCA. My shoulder, arm and wrist hurt. My hand became swollen and knuckles huge. Of course blood work is OK. The doctor expected it to be. I love being able to get test results online within a few hours of my visit. The office is connected to HSS so the blood goes right over to the hospital for testing. 6 tests came through already and the rest will tomorrow. Will pick up my new medication tomorrow and hope for the best. I know you have your appointment in September and hope your condition is stable. Keep us updated and thany you, again.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Luciejc]

Hi Luciejc!

Have they given you the specific test for Rheumatoid Arthritis? There was a recent thread about the difficulty in differentiating between RA and PMR. It is the swollen knuckles that got me thinking.

If I am remembering correctly Prednisone is converted in the liver to Prednisalone, the former commonly prescribed in the US and the latter in the UK. I wonder if that has made a difference? What adverse effects did you experience?

I have got a feeling that PMRPro had a negative experience with Methylprednisalone.

Mrs Nails has just done a helpful reply on the difference between Prednisalone and Prednisone.

Good luck!

[Grammy80 in reply to Luciejc]

You are sweet...sometimes it doesn't seem like experience as much as it seems like trial and error.....which honestly...doesn't everyone ride this car? By constant sharing..we learn and it gives us (at least me now) the courage to asked the questions and if not happy...look for answers elsewhere. !! xo

[Sefu in reply to Grammy80]

Hi My Mum was diagnosed without test on June 4 this year and immediately took Prednisolone. Apparently circa 1 person in 20 will suffer the side effect of "steroid induced psychosis" and this happened overnight on 1st July in a major way ... basically severely autistic. After 3 days Mum was 100% herself again for a day and this went on (more "away" than here) until changing to Methylprednisolone on July 17 which apparently does not "cross the blood brain barrier", although one Dr. has said it can but fewer suffer. I am seeing significant improvement as I hope the psychosis wears off. Now Mum communicates easily and is mostly near to herself and sometimes completely ... otherwise mostly 85% or better. Not being able to verbalise is very dangerous as eg Mum lost her sense of taste and rejected food and drink for 6 days, but at 6pm on Day 2 she suddenly was 100% herself and was able to explain that everything including water tasted weirdly sweet. That was very helpful as at least knew how to try and better go forward. For sure each of the medications has horrible side effects which cause huge grief to everyone in different ways and it seems there is nothing to be done except trial and [major] error.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

Was it prednisolone or methyl prednisolone Grammy? They are very different.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had been on prednisolone for a couple of years but had moved to Italy where it is not available and methyl prednisolone is the usual option in this region. I hated it from the start - it didn't "feel" right but I persevered to please the rheumy. Not that at the time there was much option! I gained weight and became very Cushingoid in appearance quite quickly. My hair went mad, like a brillo soap pad, and I grew a magnificent black beard - not just facial fluff. Given my head hair is totally white it was a strange look! I also had quite severe muscle wasting in my legs. But the worst bit was having to increase the dose because for me it didn't work as well as either prednisolone or the prednisone which I use now. When I started the prednisone I went overnight from 20mg methyl pred to 15mg prednisone and the difference was like night and day.

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

Wow! I never knew there was a difference...for one thing!! Amazing. I do take methylprednisolone. I always learn so much from you...plus have to research some items...💖...and I am grateful.

My inflammatory markers just kept rising on Prednisone so I was switched to methylprednisolone and added Actemra shortly thereafter. I'll be so glad to get an 'overhaul' at Boston Eye and Ear... have someone evaluate my meds~!!!

I'm so grateful for you and now I have to research everything you said.....one thing....my short feathered haircut went curly, curly~~now I know why! xo

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm smiling...not laughing...but have an image of you in the mountains with your Einstien hair and black beard.🧔🏻 xo