Gastro Resistant Prednisolone

[jaycee444]

Am on 4.5 mg Pred currently. If I ask for 2.5 mg to help make up my dose my GP prescribes Gastro Resistant pills. I think this is because for some reason 2.5 coated are cheaper. They wont prescribe the coated 1mg to go along with it! I have been reluctant to take this split dose of coated and non coated not knowing how it would affect my PMR? Could anyone advise on how it would work?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It works OK for most - and in some cases it can be helpful since it takes longer to all get into the bloodstream so is present for longer and if the antiinflammatory effect isn't lasting the full 24 hours it may help that. e.c takes up to 4 or 5 hours to get released, plain is within an hour or so so some people take the tablets at different times.

But why not just get a pill cutter and cut some plain 5s?

[jaycee444 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes do have a pill cutter but doesn’t always seem to be an equal cut. Sometimes find it easier to do with a knife Maybe need to treat myself to a new cutter. As I am on a low dose now I guess Im thinking I need it to be more precise which is daft really because how do we know exactly how much of our medication is actually getting absorbed anyway.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to jaycee444]

Doesn’t a matter that much to be too precise…it’s probably only a minuscule difference.. most importantly, it’s lower than the dose you are reducing.

But you could treat yourself to a new cutter…it won’t break the bank.. can’t guarantee what’ll happen after the election though 😆🤣

[jaycee444 in reply to DorsetLady]

Hmmm….thats a point DL… Anyones guess!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jaycee444]

Precision isn't that important - as long as it is less than the whole! Over 2 days it balances out - and probably as accurate as the absorption of e/c compared with plain.

[Sharitone]

Sometimes I have to take a hybrid dose, being as you can't split EC tablets. I haven't had any obvious problem. I do take the EC at the beginning of breakfast, and the plain bit at the end, in order to give the EC a bit of a head start.

[jaycee444]

Thanks Sharitone. Did think of taking the coated earlier. Just a matter of disciplining myself to do so….