My prescription says to take the 20 mg Prednisone tab 3 times a day for 5 days. I've heard all kinds of horror stories about steriod therapy I am kinda scared about taking this drug. Is it safe to take this for 5 days straight and then just stopped taking it?? The reason I'm taking it in the first place was because of a trip to the ER where I was diagnosed with acute bronchontis - I also rec'd the antibiotic Zythromax for infection. I've finished the antibiotic but still have four prednisone tablets left to take - should i been weened off of these or just stop?? Please help - I'm really not liking these steriods
After recent visit to ER I rec'd a prescription fo Prednisone 20 mg tab. What can I expect?
- Posted:
- 21 Feb 2011 by reginastansbury
- Topics:
- asthma, prednisone, inflammatory conditions, prescription
Details:
Answers (3)
heidihoe21 Feb 2011
I am Asthmatic and have been on steroids like prednisone in the past. I am also a nurse and have witnessed the side effects of steroid use. In short periods taking prednisone is perfectly safe, say for instance 5 to 10 days. Where you start to see problems is on long term repeated usage. I was prescribed oral and inhaled steroid treatments for asthma and found myself with weight gain and a "MOON-PIE" face. My hands and feet also swelled severely. I now tell the Doctors I see that I will gladly take albuterol or other inhalers as long as they don't contain steroids. At times when my asthma is very severe I have to resort to taking the steroids for a short time, but for the most part if at all possible I try not to take the steroids.
heidihoe
22 Feb 2011
Same thing happened to me!
Moon face, swollen feet and hands, 5.9kg's gain in a week!
Terrible changes.
Mary63200921 Feb 2011
Your prescription for the prednisone is a little high, but it should get you past your crisies. You will fell flushed & red in the face, and very hungery while on it. You really need to see a Pulmonary specialist for you condition, as someone else added there as other things to prescribe for Asthma attacks. There are tablets that can be taken to help control it, & inhalers for quick onset. Has anyone diagnosed why you have Asthma? Mine is brought on by allergies & is really bad in the Fall of the year. Good luck to you, but again I caution you to talk to your doctor or a specialist to find the cause, & what should be done for it in the long run.
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like heidihoe says the important thing is THAT YOU TAKE ALL OF the MEDICATION, unless you have some unusual problem it's important to finish the total amount prescribed, if you note any problems at all please notify your doctor, I took some recently and I usually took mine with food, take care and feel better soon, let us know how you are
My hands and feet swelled, face looked like a moon face and it keeps you awake at night (nightime dose). Makes you hungry. And you gain fluid.
heidihoe is right again I believe it was Zithromaz that I took with this I too had heard stories and jusy wanted not to have to deal with it but the doctor assured me it would help me over the hump, yes I experienced wanting to eat, my feet and legs had swelling, I ven talked with the pharmacist he told me that I was only on it for a short time and these side effects (as long as I followed directions would go away) and they did. hope you feel better soon
thanks so much for you input - I really do appreciate it! I took the meds as per the prescription (3, 20mg pills a day for 5 days) No weening off though - I just finished the meds as prescribed and so far so good! You are both right - I swelled up like a balloon (my face was so round I could hardly believe it). I ate and ate and ate! Sleep loss was a factor too (not to mention it made me very moody). I'm off all meds now and seem to be doing alot better BUT I must admit, I hope I never have to take steroids again!
I was given 12 day dose after a visit to ER for a Blown out disk in my back. It made me high as a kite the first week, no eating, heartracing, sweating, but by the last 3 days I was very depressed, and wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere. I was screaming at everyone and everything. Crazy time for real, I never experienced anything like it before. I was soooo happy to finish my pack but the 1st day w/o it , MAJOR headaches for hours! I am 2 days now w/o and just starting to feel somewhat normal, but I have been taking Advil all day to keep the headache at bay. Now I am eating like Iv not eaten in weeks and my stomach is a mess, And I am also swolen. I hope I feel normal again soon.