Should I care Pred?

[Mervetheswerve]

As a PMR sufferer, I’m wondering if it is a good idea to carry, say, 20mg of Prednisolone when out and about. I understand that a sudden flare or, worse, development of GCA symptoms, would make this a prudent course of action. Thx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Many do carry a supply on them in purse or wallet.

Unlikely that you’re going to require an emergency dose if you’re just out for an hour or two, but one never knows if something occurs to keep you away longer, so if it makes you feel safer then why not.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't leave the house - even to go into the village - without at least the day's dose in my bag. Going any further away from home and I usually take a ziploc bag with a pack of each medication I take, enough for a few days at least. I have gone out for the day and ended up in hospital!

[Mervetheswerve]

Thanks for your replies DorsetLady and PMRpro. Much appreciated. I’ll put some in with my Epipens that I never leave home without! MtS

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Mervetheswerve]

Good plan!😊

[Twopies]

I always carry 2 days worth and change it every once in a while so it doesn’t get too old.

[tangocharlie]

I don't thnk popping extra in an emergency eg if yo felt faint would do much good as it takes at least 3 hours to kick in, but I always have a stash of Predwith me, and paracetemol, and anti-histamines. I can understand now why my grandma always had a big handbag with her, probably full of things 'just in case'. Mines a rucksack now rather than handbag but the principle is the same. And when travelling, ALWAYS have your meds and spare undies and t-shirt in your hand luggage

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

Plain pred is absorbed in an hour and prednisolone is ready to go once it is absorbed Prednisone is slower - must be processed by the liver.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Right, thanks for that. I was thinking going by my CGM it takes about 3 hours to kick in as that's when it starts to affect blood sugar levels. That also explains why it didn't help my insomnia taking the Pred before I went to bed, must have actually made things worse by kicking in an hour later beofre I got to sleep?

[piglette]

I always carry some tablets in my handbag.