Hello,
I have been on prednisone for two months now. I have been getting diarreah almost daily for the last few weeks. I have just been diagnosed with diabetes as well. I was pre-diabetic before prednisone, but am now considered diabetic. Eveything I looked about prednisone doesn't list diarreah as a symptom, but thought I'd see if this is just a problem with me. I have fatty liver disease and my number are rising on prednisone too.
Thanks for any insight.
Bekah
Some people do have bowel problems on high doses - but by that I mean 40mg and above.
Were you started on any other medications at the same time or are you on other things ? Above all - are you on a PPI for stomach protection? (The drug names usually have an -azole at the end)
Hi PMRpro thanks for reply
No I wasn't started on PPI's. I'm on 20 mgs and having diarreah every day now. My liver numbers have gone up too. I'm concerned that prednisone is affecting my liver. I do have fatty liver, but usually don't have diarreah. I think I have to contact Cleveland Clinic about this as my primary doctor wouldn't want to take me off prednisone now.
Prednisolone is often preferred for patients with liver issues as it is ready to go, prednisone must be processed by the liver to become the active prednisolone.
No other medications at all????
I'm not on any other medicines, except daily baby aspirin and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, but I've been on that since I was 25. I do have a gastro dr, so will probably have to make appt with him too.
It sounds like a plan to check with a gastroenterologist...rarely would I have diarrhea, but if I did, I would purchase OTC Kaopectate. If you have had a lot going on lately, it may pass. My best 💞
Thanks Grammy80 yeah I have had a lot of stress with my mom's cancer and family issues on top of all this stuff with me.
You have had more than most people have to deal with over years...much less all at the same time...I hope you can find a space to step back and stay in touch with what your body is telling you. 🫂💞
I too had severe diarrhea especially during the night. I was on 60 mg for 8 weeks then tapered over the following 10 months. It started to ease off when I got down to about 30mg.
Thanks MarksPoint I'm at 20 mgs so not sure why I'm getting it. Been feeling nauseous too.
I just thought of something...I've been seeing a new gastro for constipation..but still he recommended I take two fiber capsules per day...to get bulk into my system. Would that work for diarrhea too? Why not? Worth a try I would think. He also told me to buy the generic drug store brand but be sure I got 3 in 1 fiber capsules. Fingers crossed...💞
I also have an underactive thyroid and been on thyroxine for over 40 years with erratic bowel movements sometimes nothing for days. Started on steroids and was going twice a day! To the point I lost 5kgs. My LVV also caused issues with my liver but that improved once starting pred and I got signed off. But I did incorporate a low carb diet from the very beginning. I find now, after 4 years, I am shocked if I haven't been to the loo but also I can't eat red meat, within an hour it passes straight through.... who knows why! So I stick with chicken and fish.
That's helpful SophiestreeThank you. I know I usually have constipation too. What is LVV?
Large Vessel Vasculitis - on a position on a disease spectrum ranging from PMR to GCA
Yes, I have had issues since I started in Pred in November. I have dropped down from 20mg to 5mg but it has been getting worse. I mentioned it to my GP a few weeks ago. I sent off three stool samples and one indicated “ inflammation” in the gut. Isn’t this whole thing about infammation? She is referring me to a gastroenterologist but I talked her into another full set of blood tests and that has shown up a kidney issue so I have to repeat the test next week.
However, I think much of the problem is diet. I eat too much fruit and don’t drink enough water. I have seriously cut down on fruit at breakfast time, which has improved the diahorrea, and am trying to drink more water. But to answer your question, diahorrea is a known side effect of Pred and Omeprazole, if you are taking that. I think a balanced, low carb diet is the key to beating this disease.
I don't know if it is key to "beating" PMR but it certainly deals with a few of the downsides of its treatment!
Several people with PMR have also been diagnosed with microscopic colitis - which causes diarrhoea.
Thank you I don't eat a lot of fruit but will try cutting down on carbs.
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