Taking prednisolone before or after regular blood... - PMRGCAuk

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Taking prednisolone before or after regular blood tests for ESR and CRP

Pr0jection profile image
11 Replies

For the last year I've been having blood tests every 2 months to check my ESR and CRP levels (among other things). I take my prednisolone every morning around 8.30a.m. I have my blood tests around 1230. Has anyone been told if they should take their pred before or after these regular blood tests, i.e. will taking it before the tests affect the results? My rheumatologist is currently unavailable. Thanks, and enjoy your day.....

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Pr0jection
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11 Replies
MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Hi, no just take all your Meds as usual, you will always be told if you need to stop any Medications before any bloods tests. Regards

MrsN

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

I’ve never been told not to take Pred before the usual blood tests other than a Cortisol test.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

You should take your pred at the same time every day, as near as possible. The blood levels are more a reflection of the previous day's inflammation - it takes time for the body to react and trigger the production of the proteins that give the readings. There aren't many tests that require the stopping of a medication and these aren't that critical re the numbers - it is the general trend over time that matters so regularity of times of taking the dose and taking blood is important.

Skysey profile image
Skysey in reply to PMRpro

Thanks for your reply and explanation. This has enlightened me too.

Pr0jection profile image
Pr0jection

Many thanks PMRpro. Hope you're having an enjoyable Sunday. x

Skysey profile image
Skysey

That’s an interesting question. I have monthly blood tests to check inflammatory markers and other things and I take my meds before having the test. I haven’t even considered this before. Sorry I can’t help but I am very interested in the replies!

Denbo51 profile image
Denbo51

I take mine at 08.00 I have blood test every month and they told.me it does not affect anything befor or after. They have told me now I don't need to take ANY more blood tests just carry on with meds. Hope this helps

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Denbo51

Oh - another lot with a crystal ball!!!! ;)

Helipad profile image
Helipad

I always carry on taking my medication as normal and is always before my blood tests, I also take prednisolone.

Sorry, I've only just seen this and I can support the fact that steroids are taken as per usual before blood tests. I asked my surgery and they told me that I should continue to take my prednisolone in the morning, before I went for my blood tests.

Pr0jection profile image
Pr0jection in reply to

Great, thanks for replying.

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