prednisolone 5mg

[Phronsias2]

Hello

Im currently taking 6 prednisolone 5mg daily ,I have been on the NHS site and read " Make sure your doctor is aware if you have" and on the list is underactive thyroid, I have hypothyroidism and my Doctors surgery is closed for the weekend, Im worried about taking prednisolone ,

Any advice will be very welcome

Frank

[Hidden]

I'm not sure why you are taking 30mgs of Prednisolone but don't stop taking it. High doses of steroids can suppress the immune system , yours is fairly high but there will be others who are on a much higher dose. Just make sure that you practise social distancing to keep yourself safe.

[Phronsias2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply.

My lungs are congested

[Hidden in reply to Phronsias2]

Important then to keep taking it then.

[EbonyEvans]

You should also have a blue steroid card given you to. I have been on Prednisolone end of last year. Please read the patient information leaflet for side effects and symptoms. And as PaulineS said don’t stop taking it. It can mess up your adrenals. Hopefully the benefits out way through negative. Did you get the medicine help line card? I have one st home. If you can’t find the number please inbox me. I’ll find it later for you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Phronias2

Im currently taking 6 prednisolone 5mg daily ,

My lungs are congested

Is this a temporary, short course due to the lung congestion? Maybe for a few days or a couple of weeks?

I imagine it might be as you mentioned before about mucous in your throat and difficulty breathing and you have just been given a blue inhaler.

If this is the case then your GP has given you the prednisolone to help if there is any inflammation in your lungs. Did your GP prescribe antibiotics as well in case there is any infection?

As I have lung disease this is standard stuff in the circumstances you describe when an infection is suspected.

I have been prescribed 40mg prednisolone daily on 2 or 3 occasions, just for a few days, when I have a flare up/infection and of course my GP knows I have hypothyroidism and am on Levo.

You need to finish your course of pred in your present circumstances. If you are taking Levothyroxine then take it as far away as possible from the pred. I have never found a short course has caused any problems with my thyroid hormone levels going awry but I have never had a long course.

You won't need the blue steroid card for a short course, only if you are on them long term.

[Phronsias2]

Hi

10 day course at 30mg a day because of my lung congestion and if not cleared by then,ring my GP again, no infection as the mucous is white but very sticky and near impossible to get up.no antibiotics ,I take 60 micro grams of liothyronine only.

Thanks for your help

Frank

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Phronsias2]

Frank

In that case I wouldn't worry too much as it's only 10 days. If your GP decides to repeat the course then maybe ask questions about whether it will affect your thyroid hormone levels, absorption of your liothyronine, do you need the blue steroid card, will you have to wean off gradually, etc.

I hope the 10 day course is enough and that you have some improvement soon.

[Phronsias2]

Hello again

I finished my course of Prednisolone last week or two, I am still having trouble breathing, I mowed our lawn today, I have a petrol mower that does most of the work but I was out of breath and needed to stop catch my breath and start again a few times, I spoke to my GP on the phone and he said it was because I had taken a lot of different drugs and to let it run its course.

Thanks in advance

Frank

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Phronsias2]

Frank

Your lungs have been congested, badly enough for you to need a 10 day course of prednisolone. Give your body time to heal, take it easy, if doing something makes you out of breath then don't do it, rest and recouperate. Are you still taking the blue inhaler?

[Phronsias2]

Hi

Thanks for getting back to me, Im due back at work Monday, and yes Im taking the blue inhaler.

Thanks again

Frank

[Phronsias2]

Hi

Sorry to be a pest, I mentioned before about sticky phlegm , when I use my blue inhaler I cough up phlegm not sticky this time but like jelly , is this usual?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Phronsias2]

I'm sorry Frank, I don't know. I only have experience of my own COPD and Bronchiectasis and don't have anything like that. the blue inhaler is meant to open up the airways to make breathing easier.

I would either post your question on the lung forum healthunlocked.com/blf

or maybe ring your surgery, I expect they will have a respiratory nurse who might be able to help if there is no doctor who specialises in lung conditions.

[Phronsias2]

Thanks