... me took first pill today so far I feel ok. Think I am taking to much but should I be ok?
I am taking prednisone for a rash and I am on 50 mg a day for 4 days. The side effects are scaring?
Question posted by Sassiang2 on 8 Oct 2012
Last updated on 31 March 2018
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3 Answers
kaismama
8 Oct 2012
I would feel better I think if you told us what strength the pills are and exactly what directions are on the label of the bottle. I cannot imagine a doc ordering that much for 4 days and then just stopping it.
Inactive
8 Oct 2012
I agree, & cellulitis doesn't itch, & needs IV antibiotics not by mouth if it's spreading to both legs. If if itches I doubt it's cellulitis at all. She is allergic to something, but 50mg is a large dose without a reduction... Mary
kaismama
8 Oct 2012
When my son was a little boy he was stung by a bee on the bottom of his foot, he cried and forgot about it. The next day it looked like he had cellulitis of the foot headed up his leg. It was his form of allergic reactions.
Sassiang2
8 Oct 2012
I haven't been around anything different . My sons ball went in the woods and I went in to get it. So that same day I started itching it thought it was a mesquito bite. The next day it was on my right leg too. Antibiotics didn't work so now the prednisone to working and I feel a lot better. Thanks just don't like the rapid heart beat,face and neck look flush, and I can't sleep.
kaismama
8 Oct 2012
Sounds like poison oak or sumac. Prednisone does make you hyper. Its only for 4 days tho. It does work.
Sassiang2
9 Oct 2012
I have had so much energy it's crazy. Rash is drying up and no more itching thank got it was unbearable. Thanks
Inactive
9 Oct 2012
The energy will wane along with stopping of the prednisone... Mary
Inactive
8 Oct 2012
Hello sassiang2 & welcome to the site. Yes, 50mg does seem a bit strong for just a rash. It would help if you would list what type of rash you have & how bad it is. Usually if you have an allergic reaction as in a rash, the doctor puts you on what is called a medrol dose pak. It is methylpredisalone, but starts at at higher dose & each day you take about 5mg less each day until you finish the dose pak. It gives your body time to re-regulate your own cortisol response. It usually isn't prescribed to take 50mg a day & then just stop. I am not a doctor, but suspect of your dosing. I would call your doctor if you have concerns. Some of the side effects you can have at the dose you are on, is hunger, flushing of the face, a warm feeling, & shakiness. If this is what you are experiencing, it is normal, but can make you feel uncomfortable. Some doctors will prescribe straight prednisone, but should prescribe it in a daily lowering dose.
It is a cheaper way than prescribing the dose pak. If you have any problems or questions, I would give the doctor a call about this. Without knowing what other medical problems you have or medications you take, it is very hard to give you a good answer...
Sassiang2
8 Oct 2012
They said it looks like cellulitis so put me on antibiotics. Started to spread to my other leg. And itched so bad even after taken antibiotic for 5 days so I went back yesterday and they put be on prednisone.
seery5
31 March 2018
I used to work in the medical field, & know so many medications, & their prescriptions, however, now I'm disabled, & receive many prescriptions including Prednisone!
I've noticed my last few times being on Prednisone, & moving across country that the medical professionals actually trying new doses, & they're pretty risky, prescribing a VERY high does like 50 mg is too much every day for 2 weeks then abruptly stopping or taking a lower dose for just 3 days, however, no one prescribes the old Medrol 4 mg descending dose as it wasn't effective enough for anything really! The 60mg descending dose of 10mg a day is best, this new practice is risky even for me, & I take it a few times a year, & especially for those who haven't taken it, & even for something major!
You definitely need to talk to your prescriber about a longer tapering dose as you could have a "Prednisone Withdrawal", your body naturally makes Cortisol, however, stops making it when you take Prednisone, & if you taper the dose your body will naturally make more, if you stop abruptly you could have severe reactions as your body needs this hormone, it's definitely NOT an allergic reaction! This is definitely a new practice with these high doses of Prednisone, & one I believe will be abandoned if they don't add a shorter prescription for high doses with taper because it's just too risky!
Best wishes!
endlessPred
8 Oct 2012
Hello. Wish to reassure you that you will be fine and it will help you if you have some information.
First take 25mg in the morning and the other 25mg at night. This will reduce the flushing and sleepless feeling. Do not take all at once!
Second. This is a high dose and you must be having a strong reaction with that rash so you have a strong medication to stop the allergic response or disease process. Drink lots of water, rest, and if you become uncomfortable remember that this is better than that rash, so i know you can get through this.
Third. All the scary sounding side effects happen when this is taken for very long periods of time. In short bursts like this you do not have to worry about calcium problems, bone problems and so forth.
Fourth. You should have a weaning down. No one just stops prednisone at high dose. What is the next part of your treatment? If unsure, call your doctor right away to find out what is next.
I have been on prednisone continuously at higher doses than this on and less for over seven years. I want you to know that without I would not be alive. Millions of people receive this medication. You will be fine. I hope your disease responds quickly. Write me any time you have questions. I will be happy to talk further. Karen
Sassiang2
8 Oct 2012
Doctor said to take 50mg a day for 5 days. Take at once
Related topics
skin rash, prednisone, side effect
Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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