Been on prednisolone (UK) since 01/11/2022. I'm currently taking 3mgs/4mgs on alternate days. 3mgs was too much for me.
Anyway if on pred, can we take cod liver oil supplements please? The tablets are ginormous so my husband has bought the liquid. Don't want to start unless it's OK to do so.
Any opinions or knowledge on this please?
Thank you in advance.
There doesn’t seem to be any listed interactions between Pred and CLO - but it’s not recommended for some medication - like blood pressure tablets and it does say it may affect blood sugar- so best to check with your pharmacist who will have a list of all your meds.
If you get an answer, please let us know for future reference, thanks.
What do you mean ‘3mg was too much for me’? Do you too much of a drop? If so, why not try 3.5mg daily - easier on body than alternative days of 3mg and 4mg.
I was hoping your would reply thank you! Yes the drop was too much. I saw a Rheumatologist privately as there was no intention by my surgery to refer me. It was him who suggested alternate days. I'm seeing my GP on Thursday so will ask her to prescribe me with .5 milligrammes so I can try 3.5.
I will definitely report back and let you know. I am on blood pressure medication plus others so thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Thank you once again xx
You can just cut 1mg tablets - the chemist will sell a pill cutter.
Although 500mcg [0.5mg ] are available they are horrendously expensive - just cut 1mg ones in half.
I'll try that but the 1mgs are so tiny not sure if I'd be cutting them exactly xx
Doesnt have to be exact - if one day is slightly different no matter it evens itself out.. just has to be lower than the dose you were on previously.
Himself might like the job… 😂🤣
😂😂😂😂
When taking pred daily a slight variation is not significant. You can likely get an inexpensive pill cutter at the pharmacy. If you have problems with cutting pills, ask on the forum - lots of experienced problem-solvers here! 
I make sure I take the two halves on successive days so any inaccurancy on the first day is made up exactly on the second
Thank you x
I am on 4,5 so I take half a 5mg tablet plus two 1mg ones. You could do the same but with half a 5mg plus 1mg one. I bought a pill cutter from Boots.
Try 2.5mg plus 1mg tabs if available to you. Best of luck
I found that if you line up the blade with the number 1 on the tablet, it works well. I’ve also found using a heavy, sharp knife can be better than the pill cutter. Just line it up on the number and cup your hand over it so the two pieces don’t fly off.
Are 0.5mg available in enteric coated form ? If so is that why they’re expensive? 🤔
No they aren't available in EC form...
..don't know what dose you are on now, but the 2.5mg EC ones are reasonable in price in comparison to other doses [they must be used more in other diseases I guess] - and cheaper than the plain white ones of same strength..
The price of 1mg EC is bonkers...
Thanks so much. I’m on 8mg now EC coated … it’s when I get to 6.5 it might become a problem but perhaps I can go from 7-6 so long as I’ve stayed long enough on 7 and stabilised…🤔. Or I cd maybe do alternate days of 7 and 6 for a while until stable…
A slower tapering plan would be better than alternate days -easier on the body- couple here -
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thank you. I'll take a look now xx
I've copied and pasted both into my notes so I can read and take it all in. These are really helpful.
In my view, I think the above r on here is far more informative and realistic.
Thank you xx
Ah.. ok. Thank you. Much appreciated
Anything that is a bit out of the ordinary is more expensive - 5mg pred tablets are the normal option and multiples of that as the dose. We are unusual in requiring to taper in small steps so they don't usually need to take that into consideration and why doctors often work on such large changes in dose. As a result far fewer other doses are needed, less of each are produced and so unit cost is much higher.
Thanks so much PMRpro. Yes I guess it’s the smaller steps approach that might be one a prob for me as I go to 6.5…. Anyway as I’ve said to DL perhaps I cd do alternate an day system at that point…
Why do you want to take CLO? Are you taking any other supplements - multivitamins or the like?
My hubby thinks they are the secret to everything. I just want to have some evidence as to why I should or shouldn't take supplements.
Thank you for your reply and question xx
In my view CLO is horrible -think it stems back to having a spoonful every morning… my hubby once suggested I try supplements, but I could still taste them.. yuck! He was of the same mind as yours..
I totally remember the large jar and a long silver spoon. In it went and out came with this slurry of cod liver oil and malt Yuk!! I do agree there 😂
Ahh .. the good old days… or so they say… 😳
Ugh! I remember it too, it was revolting and the taste lingered for hours!🤢
That takes me back to my childhood, a spoonful every morning - hated it with a vengeance, yuk 😢
Scars you for life doesn’t it? 😝
Certainly did, something I always tried to bear in mind with my children.
It does depend on whether you are taking other supplements - you can end up overloading on vits A and D and that can be not so good for you.
Thank you so much. I will bear all the information given in mind and will bring this up at my GP appointment on Thursday.
We have a resident pharmacist and I'll ask to speak to him as so often they are more you to date with contraindications than the GPs.
Thank you again xx
Hi. Not sure if you're in UK. I get 2.5mg. and 1mg. predisolone from my pharmacy so no need to cut. You may be able to do that.
Yes i can get 2.1/5 plus 1 great idea. Definitely didn't think of that. Something to add to my list for tomorrow. Thank you xx
How about more oily fish instead. I don't eat fish so take Omega 3 capsules sourced from algae instead - no fishy burps for me.
There was arecent discussion on pred increasing strokes and heart attacks so thought this might be of interest: "One recent large study of more than half a million British men and women found that high Omega-3 intake was associated with a 16% lower risk of death from heart attack or stroke." (Michael Mosely)
bbc.co.uk/programmes/articl...
Recently I read the opposite- that fish oil contributed to arrythmias. Go figure.
I think the risk you mention is for people who have elevated blood lipids.
yes I doing easy oily fish but maybe I should eat it more often xx
UPDATE as Promised
Spoke to my GP and she had given me 2.1/2mgs - I have more than enough of the 1mg tablets.
She says not enough research has gone into cod liver oil supplements so she doesn't see any harm in it.
I will pop to my local pharmacist and see what he says about it. They have far more knowledge of contraindications.
Thank you all for your really helpful replies. I feel far more confident with the issues I raised.
"She says not enough research has gone into cod liver oil supplements so she doesn't see any harm in it."
There's a non sequitur if you like!!!!!
please excuse my ignorance but don't understand your reply. Sorry x
Is that directed at me? If you want to tag a particular person you need to click on the Reply box immediately under their reply for them to be notified. I see everything so it doesn't matter but others don't.
I meant that if there hasn't been any research and you don't know - that doesn't mean it is safe, it means you don't know whether it is safe or not.
Thank you. PMRpro yes it was meant for you. I'll do that next time xx
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