Posted 11/25/2018 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Bill,
I do not have Chron’s but have a long relationship with prednisone and glucocorticosteoids.
IV corticosteroid dosing is not equivalent to oral corticosteroid dosing. IV 40 mg methylprednisolone is not equal to 40 mg prednisone tablets. IV dose concentration is more potent/stronger than oral tablets.
I have been on IV 100 mg SoluCortef daily for 3 weeks . . . It was not pleasant (due to body swelling and fluid retention, fluids would actually leak and Ozzie through my skin) but necessary for survival.
I have been on upwards of 60-80 mg oral prednisone for weeks at a time.
There are times when the need for high dose steroids is imperative, despite its risks and collateral damage. Sometimes there are few or no other options to high dose steroids.
I do not know the precise conversion of IV to oral glucocorticosteoids, but do not be alarmed that your oral prescribed dose is higher than what you received via IV.
That said, it is always wise to understand fully any and all medications that you are taking. Physicians do make mistakes. Talk to your pharmacist. Talk to your physician. Ask for clarification.
Pharmacists often have more knowledge of dosing parameters and equivalencies than do physicians. Physicians often call local pharmacists for guidance in writing prescriptions
for complex medications or medications that they prescribe infrequently.
Be careful to follow any titration plan given to you when you are able to reduce your steroid dosing. Corticosteroids affect the pituitary and adrenal glands and their delicate interrelationship in cortisol secretion. You may want to become aware of secondary adrenal insufficiency and keep it in your awareness.
Karen