Prednisolone or Prednsoine ?

[Lacelady]

Can you tell me what is the difference between Prednisolone and Prednsoine ?

Do they do the same thing or does one have less side effects?

[MrsNails]

“The main difference between prednisone and prednisolone is that prednisone must be converted by liver enzymes to prednisolone before it can work.

Both prednisone and prednisolone are man-made glucocorticoids. They are used to treat similar conditions and are generally considered equally effective. Other similarities include:

Similar indications. For example, both prednisone and prednisolone may be used to treat allergies, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lung conditions, or skin problems

The same side effects, including acne, stomach irritation, weight gain, insomnia, fluid retention, facial hair growth, mood changes, high blood pressure, and, if taken for long periods of time, bone loss, osteoporosis, skin thinning, and a withdrawal syndrome on discontinuation if not tapered slowly enough. Both prednisone and prednisolone may suppress growth and development in children

Dosing schedules for prednisone and prednisolone are usually similar and range from 5mg to 60mg per day

The same interactions. Common interactions include NSAIDs, anti-infectives (such as ciprofloxacin, some HIV medicines), immune suppressants, diuretics ("water” pills), and anticoagulants (blood thinners), and others

If you are taking either prednisone or prednisolone long-term it is a good idea to wear a medical alert tag or carry a Steroid Card.”

Drugs.com

It appears in the U.K. Prednisolone is prescribed & in other Countries such as the USA they use Prednisone.

Hope that helps?

MrsN

[Lacelady in reply to MrsNails]

Yes thank you very much for all that info.

I was hoping Prednsoine had less side effects.

[MrsNails in reply to Lacelady]

Afraid not, the same just a different way that it’s metabolised. Generally, you’ll see most of us refer to it as Pred so then it covers both options.

MrsN

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You can't really say whether one has more side effects than the other - everyone is different. I have been on both and can't say I have noticed any difference between them. Methyl prednisolone was a totally different kettle of fish!!!!

Just remember, there are over 80 listed side effects. No-one gets them all, some people get next to none. Most of them can be at least mitigated or even avoided when you know how to go about it.

[Lacelady in reply to PMRpro]

I was interested to hear you say that some of the side effects can be mitigated or avoided when you know how to go about it. Can you elaborate on that ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lacelady]

I would - if you wanted to "listen" to me for the next couple of hours and I felt like writing for an hour or so! There are so many - and you may never experience them. If you use the search box you might find old posts about it. Otherwise, choose the effects you are most concerned about and ask the question - loads of people will be able to answer you - they won't here as they are unlikely to see your question. Otherwise - when you notice something, ask us.

Weight gain and risk of developing steroid-induced diabetes can be reduced and even avoided by reducing carbs in your diet considerably - I can't say how much as for some people just avoiding processed carbs is enough, for others of us a very low carb level is needed. Cutting processed carbs also helps with cutting salt - and reducing fluid retention which often happens with steroids.

I have had few skin effects - I never use soap (anything that foams) and am sure that helps in not drying my skin any further. If you can't cope with just using water - Diprobase or Doublebase products are to be recommended. I do bruise - but I also take anticoagulant medication so I'm not surprised.

Be aware that steroids can make you moody/be likley to be snappy - warn your family and friends it isn't you. It's "roid rage" ...

It will improve - I experienced most of the so-called steroid effects in the 5 years I had PMR before diagnosis and that was just due to PMR. Once I was on pred things did steadily improve - it really isn't all down to pred. I think it gets a worse name than it deserves. But you also have to be patient.

[Lacelady in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I do appreciate that you cannot cover everything and I am learning from reading everyone’s posts and advice .

I don’t feel that I am doing too badly when I read what everyone else is going through, I have the moon face and the diabetes which I am trying to cut out carbs for plus’s one or two more minor problems like hair loss and facial hair but overall I am managing to lead a normal life. On the positive side my wrinkles have gone and my usually split nails are growing fast. 😀

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lacelady]

Yup - pred is cheaper than botox!!!

[bribaz]

My reply would be the same as MrsNails. If there is ever a doubt about anything medical, always speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bribaz]

But even so - check their information. Some pharmacists aren't always as well informed as they might be!

[Lacelady in reply to PMRpro]

Ok Thank you I will