Prednisone and Swelling: What Users Say

• tez...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2019

For Eczema "I am 55 and have used prednisone 4 times now, some of the doses were for approx 3 weeks and weaning off on a low amount taking every other day towards the end. Each time it has worked wonders and my skin managed to stay clear for some time. I had no side effects. This week my skin was so bad, itchy puffy eyes, arms so uncomfortable I could hardly type at work, and severely affecting my sleeping. I have been prescribed with 3 days of 30mg as a short, sharp dose. Within hours I felt better and my skin is clearing up, feeling and looking better. This is a shorter dose than my previous times and no weaning off time but maybe that's because it's only 3 days. I think it's marvelous and such a revelation to feel 'normal'. No one can understand how eczema feels unless they have it."

• bek...
• January 6, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am in my 60s, and the pain in shoulders, hips, hands, and knees was so invasive, I had problems sleeping and getting out of bed in the morning. After some research (I was originally diagnosed with arthritis), I found my symptoms matched the condition of Polymyalgia Rheumatica exactly. My physician accommodated me with a 20 mg prescription for prednisone. After two doses, my months-long battle with pain was completely over. I literally felt as if I'd been born again in the physical sense. For me, this medication was miraculous. Fortunately, I have not suffered any of the side effects such as swelling, etc. Tapering off the medication, I've found that 5 mg is my threshold dose. Under that, the symptoms come back."

• Gre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 17, 2012

For Gouty Arthritis "Prednisone has been a miracle, having severe gout for years has been a life-changing experience. Gout has turned my life upside down and I've taken everything. Prednisone has given me back my normal life. With prednisone, it's actually given me an extra boost during work, and while I coach my little league sports. Minor side effects like an increase in appetite, puffy face, and once in a blue moon I'll get a little short of breath (when I've taken over the prescribed dose) haven't interfered with my daily routine enough to stop taking prednisone. I stopped doing that and only take the recommended dose. I've only taken prednisone when I need it, I've gone without it from 2 weeks to a month. Prednisone has worked miracles for me."

• reg...
• October 22, 2008

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I just took my first dose of this medication today and already I can walk up and down the stairs of my house, something I have not been able to do for months, due to the swelling in my feet. What a relief!"

• Nur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2017

For Eczema "Whenever my eczema gets to be too far advanced that the creams just don't cut it, prednisone is just the thing to clear up the eczema. I have it on my hands mostly, and being a nurse, I can't possibly work with my hands full of blisters and swollen as it gets."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2016

For Allergic Reactions "Taken for severe hives, rash, itching. Allergic to the world. However, it has also made my joint pain so much better, places I didn't realize were that swollen! Now I'm wondering what else is going on. Good experience this time around. Was on 60 mg/day for 5 days."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For Skin Rash "I’ve taken one 25 mg tablet, and it’s taken the redness away, but insane itching and burning. My feet have swollen and doubled in size, and I can’t sleep, and my mood has been very affected within 24 hours of taking this tablet. I will be consulting my doctor this morning about it. Everything is SO ITCHY, and everything’s burning. Cosmetically helped, but symptoms (e.g., burning, itchiness, swelling) have still occurred."

• San...
• January 30, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Prednisone is a great medication, but be careful with it. Don't take it for long periods of time. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and my doctors had me on prednisone for two years. In that time, I started taking Humira, which I had no more inflammation in my blood. My hips and shoulder still hurt, even though I had no inflammation. My doctor said, keep taking prednisone, we'll taper it off slow. My doctor and I assumed this pain was normal arthritic pain, and he never did X-rays. The pain in my hips got worse and worse. I went to the emergency room, where they did X-rays. I found out I had end-stage osteonecrosis (bone death) and had to have both my hips replaced three weeks later (second hip six weeks after the first)."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 20 years ago. Three years ago, I started to get swollen joints, painful feet, plantar fasciitis, enthesitis in my ankles and knees. I also have scalp psoriasis. I was put on 15 mg prednisolone by my GP for 2 weeks, then I had to take 2, then 1 to wean me off. As soon as I got on to 1 a day, all my symptoms came back with a vengeance. Now my rheumatologist has gone back down the road of it's just fibro, and she refuses to prescribe me prednisolone. I am in the most horrendous pain, and I feel so ill. I am back to constant pain and swelling of my joints. I just don't know what to do."

• Gue...
• December 31, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "Prednisone works well when it needs to, but the side effects are horrible. I'm only 16, had my first flare when I was 14. I ended up on prednisone for almost 6 months while trying to find a treatment that worked for me (Asacol, then Remicade, etc.), and it did keep my flare in check. While I was on it, I had a huge appetite and ended up gaining close to 20 pounds. My face also got swollen, and I grew hair in some gross places like the back of my neck. After I was off it, I slowly returned to my normal weight, and most of the side effects disappeared. The side effects are a bummer, but other than that it does its job."

• Jon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "This medication saved my life. I'm 21 years old and suffered a severe allergic reaction (angioedema) from a medication. My lips swelled up three times their size, and my eyes swelled shut, and I couldn't see. I also couldn't breathe. I was rushed to the ER, and the doctors gave me this medication, prednisone, in the IV. All my swelling immediately went away, and my breathing returned to normal. I was prescribed 10 mg of it for that next week, and it kept my inflammation away and my allergic reaction under control. Make sure to follow the taper-off schedule that comes with it."

• Apr...
• October 13, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis "10 out of 10 for controlling the colitis and getting the healing process going, but 0 out of 10 for the side effects. Thus, a 5/10 average. Been on prednisone for about 4 months at a variety of doses (40 mg to start, then 30, 20, 15, 10, 5). Has alleviated many of the colitis symptoms and allowed for semi-normal bathroom habits. Used in conjunction with mesalamine, Canasa, and vancomycin for a stubborn C. diff infection. Side effects: stimulant effects at first (like too much coffee), elevated mood and MASSIVE appetite, puffy face. During the taper process: insomnia, anxiety, depression, rapid heartbeat. NOT FUN."

• Iha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2018

For COPD "Unfortunately, I was an inpatient for 4 days for COPD and got hooked up to Pred in my IV, too sick to do anything. I was sent home taking 60 mg of the stuff! I was never warned about side effects, its contraindication with a MDD diagnosis, how it would destroy my fibromyalgia, anxiety, Inattentive ADD medication regimen efficacy, or that it would have to be slowly tapered down. I've put on 30 lbs of weight in areas I never have before, like my neck and upper back. I have no idea how I'll lose it in time for my wedding in 6 months. After tapering down to 10 mg and just wanted to be done with it for good, I went off CT and 7 days in I couldn't urinate, eat, sleep, walk, lift anything, or breathe. My hands, feet, and calves swelled to 2 times their normal size during this time. Having no other option, I went back on the Pred and within a day lost 15 lbs of fluid that my body held in during withdrawal. The depression, fear of becoming an invalid, and excruciating pain of that week put me in a dark place."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 2, 2024

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "This is the best medicine for me: I have RA for about 4 years. The doctors and professors gave me a lot of different medicine. I was so sore in my joints and had swelling (my entire body), also got depression about it that I did not want to be alive anymore. Then one GP gave me prednisone, I started with 10 a day, went down to 2 a day. Now I am taking 1 or 2 a day after I had breakfast, depending on the stiffness and pain in the morning. Some days, like maybe 1 a month or in 2 months, I will take 3 or 4 for 1 or 2 days when I have a flare-up. I only take one other medication with it. I am so happy about it and will keep on until I'm not here anymore! I believe, because my daily intake is not high, I am OK for all the other negative side effects. I do not gain weight at all."

• kim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2012

For Inflammatory Conditions "I was started on 60 mg in the hospital. I have a rare condition, I am told. I was good until I dropped down to 30 mg, then I was crying, mean, ill, swollen, and couldn't walk on my feet because of the pain (swelling). Went back to the doctor, they were dropping me down 10 mg every 7 days. My doctor has now upped the medications and is dropping me down slower. I do not like the weight gain. I feel very tight, and my face is very round. I am only 5 ft 2 and was 135. Now I am 145, and I can feel it. I am told that it may be 1 to 2 months before I am weaned off. But I guess having the weight gain is better than the alternative, my doctor also put me on Lasix and potassium."

• Fel...
• December 19, 2011

For Inflammatory Conditions "I started taking prednisone just a couple of days ago (take my last dose tomorrow). In September, I received a very bad case of pneumonia. I have been having very bad breathing problems since then. The only thing the doctors can come up with is extreme inflammation. The first day I took these medicines (4 on the first day), I felt AMAZING, the best I have felt in months. It didn't last though, the next day I took 3.... felt okay.... today 2.... felt like my usually crappy self. So I didn't have such a good experience with it, except for that first day. Gosh, I could cry thinking about how great it made me feel."

• Anonymous
• October 10, 2010

For Inflammatory Conditions "It has helped me like no other medicine I have ever been on. Almost to being a wonder drug. The only problem I have is the side effect of weight gain and swelling in three weeks. I've gained 6 pounds and am so swollen in my legs, trying to find a way to fight off the side effect. Will try anything. I feel like I have a quality of life with this medicine."

• flo...
• December 15, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took this before my trip to New England in the wintertime per my Dr. suggestion as it would help prevent the very cold weather up north from making my bones and joints hurt and ache. It took away all my RA pain, but wow, the side effects like eating and puffy face, etc., were yukky. I won't take it again unless I absolutely have to...."

• Red...
• January 31, 2011

For Allergic Reactions "In the summer, I often have severe allergic reactions to things like horsehair, cotton, and cut grass. Those reactions swell up my eyes like a tennis ball. Prednisone really helps tame the swelling and stops me from sneezing. Too bad it's very unhealthy, or I'd take it more often if I could."

• tob...
• July 16, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I took this for temporal arteritis. I gained 70 lbs., developed moon face, swollen legs and arms. I was unable to sleep at night and was so sleepy during the day, I fell asleep anywhere. Developed cataracts, had them removed, but I still have blurry vision and have not been able to drive in 1.5 years. Hair is thin and very dry skin. Have a hard time walking due to vision and weakness."

• Mr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2014

For Gouty Arthritis "Been experiencing large hives on feet and hands for several years due to chronic Lyme. When first started experiencing joint pain in mid-foot joint between small toe and ankle, I assumed it was more of the same but did not go away in the typical 24 hrs last week. In fact, it got worse over several days while traveling for work. When I got to my daughter's, she made me see a doctor immediately and I was diagnosed with gout. They prescribed 3-20 mg for 3 days with 1/2 tab reduction each 3 days until completing the script. Pain subsided within 30 min of the first day, but pain did reoccur approx 18 hrs later as prednisone wore off. I took the 2nd dose, same results, decreased inflammation and better mobility. It's been 13 hours and cannot sleep, foot feels hot."

• The...
• November 27, 2016

For Gouty Arthritis "So, I have suffered from gout for many years. My first attack hit my shoulders and was at the age of 28. I have since tried various treatments, including Diclofenac, indomethacin, and Naproxen. As I was suffering from gout every few weeks, I ended up taking these types of NSAID drugs for periods ranging from 1 week to 4 weeks at least 6 times a year. They almost gave me an ulcer in my stomach. I have also used prednisolone for some time-yes, it did take down inflammation in the short run but caused my attacks to repeat more often, in different joints and for lengths of time that I had never seen before. I then listened to a podcast by a chap Raj Bhachu on Ben Greenfield, where he talks about fructose being a major contributory factor to gout. As I"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2019

For Gouty Arthritis "After multiple gout attacks in the past few years, I have found that dehydration and minor injuries/overworking tend to trigger flare-ups in my feet and ankles. I have found that taking prednisone at the first sign of a gout flare-up can completely prevent a full-blown attack from happening. In the event you don’t have any pills at the first sign of the attack and it goes full-blown, taking prednisone will reduce the pain and swelling by 50% in the first few hours, and you will be walking without an aid in 24 hours. If you have a physical job, you will be back to work within 2-3 days. Don’t let it drag on for weeks, tell the doctor you want prednisone, and if you have frequent attacks, try to get some extra for the next time you feel one coming on. Also, if you are having regular attacks, you should get a preventive med, e.g., allopurinol, this will prevent you from getting the crystals building up."

• Bud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Still trying to figure out what I have, but flares of immobilizing severe low back pain coupled with severe sciatica, cervical pain, and hand aches come to me a few times a year. NSAIDs can't touch it. Prednisone 20 mg, 2x per day, for 5 days, makes me feel whole again for 4 to 6 weeks... longer if I'm lucky. The only side effect for me was that they can make me moody, but not so bad. I've taken them for 10 days before, but I did have other side effects when taking them longer, like weakness and leg swelling. I'll stick to 5 days."

• Kri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2019

For Cluster Headaches "I have been dealing with migraines/cluster headaches my whole life. I'm 45 now, and at 3, I would tell my mom my head hurt. I've done everything from sinus surgery to acupuncture, CAT scans, MRIs, Botox, and back injections. Usually, once something doesn't work, the doctor gives up on me and basically dismisses my concerns. My last doctor diagnosed me with chronic daily migraines and gave me 50 mg of prednisone to take for 2 to 3 days if the Imitrex doesn't work. I love it!! It works!! HOWEVER, after taking it for a few days... I take 2 to 3 a day 'cause 5 is too much, I think. I got so swollen, irritable, broken out, and can't sleep. Then I think I was getting a rebound headache. Ugh... now I try to take just as needed, and it definitely works if I don't take too long. I'm excited to find something to take the edge off when nothing else works."