Swelling Below the Eyes

[Geology]

I have been taking Prednisolone regularly for PMR since May 2021. I am on 7 mg at present which controls any PMR pain fairly well. I am prepared to put up with the extra fat I now have under my chin and around my waist, but I get worried about symptoms that do not seem to be known side effects of Prednisolone.

Recently, I have developed swellings under both my eyes. Under my eyes looks a lot more purple than usual. My eyes do not itch, like from an allergy. It does not feel the same as the ‘heavy eyelids’ I had when I had untreated PMR.

Has anyone else on Prednisolone experienced swelling under the eyes?

Is it another symptom of PMR?

Thanks

[Seacat30]

Yes swollen 'bags' under my eyes as soon as I started on pred. I thought they were due to insomnia but they are there still there now I sleep better.

[autumnlass in reply to Seacat30]

Interesting post - I’ve horrid bags too - didn’t think it was Pred as sleep is plentiful… well not at moment in this heat! 🌸

[Nextoneplease in reply to autumnlass]

Me too - and the purplish tinge 🥺 Never occurred to me it might be anything to do with PMR or pred……so this is interesting x

[Geology in reply to Seacat30]

I got concerned because my eye bags didn’t start until recently, and I’ve been on Pred a year. They are a bit better today so I’m not so worried. Also, it helps to know others have experienced the same thing. Thank you for sharing.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No - I think it is the pred. Cutting processed foods drastically does help sometimes - cuts carbs and salt. Salt in the diet and pred don't mix well.

[agingfeminist in reply to PMRpro]

no carbs, no salt but bags and purple...new arrivals since pred

[Geology in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your help. I’m trying to cut out the salt, but if hubby cooks he adds quite a lot! I feel reassured now I know some other people on Pred have the same problem.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Geology]

Oh dear - I use next to no salt, none in cooking and only what is in the herb mixture I use for salad dressing. Always a problem for me when staying somewhere that uses salt! Which of course includes eating out!

[Dolcelatte]

I have purple bags under my eyes, worse in the evening. Never before Pred.

[Geology in reply to Dolcelatte]

Thank you for replying. It’s reassuring to know others have experienced this. No good trying to ask my GP for advice!

[Stellamavis]

Yes I have them too..mine were there from starting high dose of pred 40mgs in 2021 but I don’t recall them when on lower doses from 2015 -2021..most mornings on waking they are not there then after a short while there they are ☹️

[Geology in reply to Stellamavis]

My swellings come and go throughout the day too. They don’t seem to be linked to my sleep quality either. Thanks for sharing.

[Noraflorence]

Yes I too have unsightly purple bags under my eyes and assumed it was the pred effect.( Now 8.5 mg.) My sleeping is rubbish and had hoped the bags will go once I sleep better but it sounds like this isn’t necessarily going to be the case. I seem to remember someone here talking about ‘panda eyes’ which I thought could be the same? Happy Days

[Geology in reply to Noraflorence]

Yes, Noraflorence, ‘panda eyes’ describes the look perfectly.

[Hidden]

Hi!I developed also puffiness under my eyes while taking a high dose of prednisolone for 17 days in January. The eye bags are still there and I suffer a lot, because before I had never ever swollen eyes and now I look always ill, ugly and much older. It´s definitely due to prednisolone (after eating a lot of salty food, no doctor told me to avoid salt and carbs) and I have also had this confirmed by several doctors. Some say it could last 6 to 12 months, so I still hope.... I just could find one report from a woman also affected, she also wrote her eye bags went away after stopping pred within 6 to12 months.

Mine have worsened a lot in May and also now again during great summer heat. I am afraid, that it could stay forever.

So, I also would be very happy someone could report positively!!!

Best wishes to everyone!!!