?Prednisolone causing Stomach problems

[Jomaur]

I have been on Prednisolone for nearly 3 years and about 6 weeks ago I had managed to taper down to 4.5mg when I felt pain returning in my arms and shoulders. After a few days I decided to increase my dosage up to 9.5 and a few days after that had stomach pains and diarrhea. I took Immodium and the symptoms settled down a little but returned again a few days later. I had a burning sensation in my stomach and an uncomfortable sensation like tightness in my middle. I have diverticular disease so thought it could be that so went to see my GP.. She was unsure what it was but sent me for blood tests which have come back normal and samples which came back the same. She suggested I increase my dosage of Esomeprazole but that hasn’t made any difference. I am wondering if it could be triggered by the increase of Pred although as I have been on it for so long I’m not sure. I have since reduced to 7.5mg but this has made no difference. Has anyone else experienced this please.

[SheffieldJane]

I think Pred had a cumulative negative effect on my diverticulitis. I have to be very careful to protect my abdomen from acidic, spicy foods plus wheat products, alcohol is out completely. Use entric coated Pred and yoghurt for protection. After 8 years prescribed Lansoprazole and Buscopan. Very life limiting. Vomit sometimes and have diahorrea and difficulty in bowel movements feeling blocked - gnawing pain constant. Actemra made this pretty bad and caused me to terminate the drug. It has not got better. Had Cancer pathway tests. Colonoscopy, Endoscopy and camera endoscopy. Only Diverticular disease showed and a small hiatus hernia. I BS has been mooted. I am not convinced . Symptoms worse for stress and eating at times though. Hard to manage currently. Is yours more background noise?

[Jackoh in reply to SheffieldJane]

Didn’t realise the amount of discomfort and problems you are constantly putting up with Jane. May your better days increase. Xx😘💐

[Bcol]

Hi, no personal experience here but my OH has Diverticulitis and IBS a well as Fibromyalgia. She is just going through a spell when the IBS and Diverticulitis is playing up. She is on two antibiotics and her doctor has told her not to take Imodium as it has ingredients she doesn't like and has given her Buscopan, which does seem to be helping. Not sure exactly what the doc didn't like about Imodium as I wasn't there but she is one of the excellent docs at our surgery.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bcol]

It's a drug I think is too easily available. Shouldn't be used in some infective causes of diarrhoea - your body is trying to get rid of the bugs and it can cause cardiac effects such as arythmmia. But wondering what ingredient in the fillers she doesn't like.

[Bcol in reply to PMRpro]

I wasn't there so didn't hear the conversation and OH couldn't remember, but she did get back in time for me to cancel an order for Imodium I'd just made. I do agree though for a drug that seems to be as powerful as Imodium it does seem strange that there are no restrictions on buying any of the various varieties. She also gives her the Buscopan on prescription.

[gingerraspiller]

I have been tapering since August 2022. Reducing every month and at lower levels, reducing by 0.5 mg every 2 months. For some unknown reason, at 3 mg I had a terrible bout of diarrhea which lasted for days. My GP ran full blood panel - every looked fine. I stopped anything that might cause a problem - stopped all caffeine (I drink decaf) and all vitamins & supplements and started using psyllium husks and OTC medication. It took about a week but better now. I also had some gastric discomfort when I first started on Pred - took Tums. That went away but has started up again so taking Tums as needed. I assume its all because of the Pred....that's my only medication.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to gingerraspiller]

More lack of pred - it is typical of adrenal insufficiency when the return of cortisol production is lagging behind.