Covid jab, what are side effects for those of us taking pred?

[Purplecrow]

I just received my appointment for my Covid jab, tomorrow afternoon. My question...should I take a bit extra prednisone to mitigate any side effects of the injection? I generally have a mild reaction, anytime I have an immunization injection. Anyone have opinion on this topic??

My PMR diagnosed Sept. 2013.. I am using 7 mg pred.

Thanks for your input. Stay safe, Jerri

[Maisiek]

I didn’t see any advice on changing my Pred dose: I’m on 5mg and had no reaction at all- not even a Sore arm. Enjoy the relief!!

[Songbird69]

I hadn’t thought of doing that, but I did read somewhere on here that a doctor suggested taking an antihistamine the night before and then one hour before the appointment. Sounds like a good idea to me.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The reaction is actually almost always due to your immune system doing what it is meant to do: produce antibodies against the invader. It is a good sign of something you want and which shouldn't be suppressed by adding pred.

Trying an antihistamine might help - I don't THINK that will suppress the reaction you need. If the injection site is sore, maybe an icepack would help?

[Smokygirl]

I too thought about taking an antihistamine before the jab but decided against it in case it delayed a bad reaction. I thought it safer to be near the adrenaline kit and the doctors if I reacted. ( I am severely allergic to pickles —— might be the Sulphites—— and mildly to Penicillin, pollen and others!).

However they made me stay 30 minutes after the jab just to make sure.

I am on 8 mg Pred.

Just had diarrhoea that night and a sore arm the next day. I was delighted!

[GOOD_GRIEF]

What do you mean by a reaction?

If it's a sore arm, slight headache, low grade fever and mild body aches, that's your immune system manufacturing the antibodies that will begin to protect you from COVID. You may have some, all, or none of the symptoms for a few hours or couple of days.

If you're really uncomfortable, you could take a pain reliever (something you'd normally use for a headache). Just don't take it with your pred dose. If I need a pain reliever, I have a little something to eat, a big glass of water, and take it at least 2 hours before or after my pred.

I had my first Pfizer shot on the 12th, and didn't even have a sore arm. Hoping there's enough supply in New York on the 26th so I can get my follow up shot. It's looking a little iffy right now.

PMR onset November 2016 (the day after US Election Day) and currently on 7mg. I have to say that I had my first good, solid night's sleep in 4 years after the Inauguration.

[Purplecrow in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I hear you!!! And I'm still smiling!