Why are people taking prednisone as a regular med to control RA? Thought is was temporary?

7 Jan 2011

My rheumi won't allow me to be on pred for long. I don't know of anyone who is on it full time for RA. In my area most patients are put on other available meds. Maybe it's because pred is the least expensive.

8 Jan 2011

Hi I have been diagnosed with RA, in 2000 my symptoms started. I was better during pregnancy. Recently I was on Plaquenil, but taken off it and put on Prednisone 5mg per morning and night. Because it was thought safer when trying to fall preg. I used to use it just for flare up's but in much stronger doses25 - 50mg per dose. It's a miracle drug because it takes the imflamation down within 24hrs and so too the pain away. I had to get off it though daily as it caused me to bloat up terribly and gain 5-9 kg's very quickly. I don't want to take it so I'm on nothing at the moment and I had a flare up last night! Not nice.
But Dr's say I don't have much choice if I'm trying to get preg?
Hope this helps, with your understanding of why.

8 Jan 2011

Hi Irricciuti
Re the Prednisone, as I understand it, its often prescribed to reduce inflammatory markers in the blood, so in diseases like kidney inflammation and other inflammatory conditions such as RA or PMR the inflammation can be kept down by Prednisone. I've been on enteric coated Prednisone for a couple of years and was on it initially for kidney inflammation, then again for PMR which I was then diagnosed with. Fortunately I have had no side effects at all maybe because the dose is low 7.5 mg/5 mg daily, also taking stomach protecting and bone protecting medications so maybe that has helped avoid any side effects. I'm also on Methotrexate and folic acid. If you are not happy with Prednisone, and you are okay without it, then you have to do what is best for you and your health. Best wishes bacterial

10 Jan 2011

I'm on prednisone until my MTX / Folic acid starts to take effect... about 6 - 8 weeks. I'm not taking a high dose 5mg (2) times a day because it irritates my stomach. I will wean myself when I'm ready because I do not want to be on the prednisone longer than needed.

11 Jan 2011

Iricciuti,
I was on and off predisone for years. When my pain (RA) would become intense, I would receive an injection. The round face was nothing considering the cumultive effect. I am in my late 50's and had to have a total hip replacement. The surgeon said it was one of the worst he had seen. Totally jelly from steriod, presidone, use. Be careful and do not always trust Dr. Do not stay on any drug more than 10 years unless you have investigated it. I now have lost a lot of my eyesight, and have no depth perspection, because of Placqunil toxiticy. Best luck.