Prednisone taper

hpymomof3

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2011

Posts : 66

Posted 6/12/2015 6:11 PM (GMT 0)

I have been on 10 mg of Prednisone since December. It has helped a bit with the pain but I hate it. I don't feel well on it and I've gained 10 pounds and I am very bloated. I started on Plaquenil yesterday. My doctor wants me to start tapering off the Prednisone but I'm still supposed to take 5 mg in the morning and 2.5 at night and keep that up until my next visit in 6 weeks. I've had increasing headaches since I started the Presnisone in December but I've had migraines several times a week for the last month.

How slowly do I have to taper off? How long does it usually take? I really want to be done with the Presnisone.

Post Edited (hpymomof3) : 6/13/2015 8:46:23 AM (GMT-6)

Lynnwood

Forum Moderator

Joined : May 2005

Posts : 8160

Posted 6/12/2015 6:50 PM (GMT 0)

With prednisone, it is important that you follow the Dr's instructions. Tapering too fast, without giving your adrenal glands a chance to step and and produce your body's natural cortisone, can do horrid things! Cortisone, whether natural or supplemented, is necessary to keep your heart beating as well as some other critical processes.

You might make sure you are drinking plenty of water and not eating a lot of sugar or white carbs - that can help with bloating, weight gain, and headaches.

Best wishes,

wearyRAsufferer

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2010

Posts : 2955

Posted 6/14/2015 11:47 AM (GMT 0)

I hear you! I have RA and had a flare. Started 10 mgs. of prednisone in December as well. Was on that dose for a month I believe and then started the taper. My dr. says decrease 1 mg. every 2-4 weeks as tolerated.
I am small and I gained 10 lbs as well. With the 5 I was already trying to lose it looks like 30 lbs. on me. The bloat makes me look 6 months pregnant. I could just cry when I look at myself. I know it's the prednisone yet I hate myself for letting myself go.
I am down to 2 mgs and the tender joints and swelling are apparent. I don't care. I want off. I swear I will never use this drug again.
I said that last time I was on it. That was at presentation and I was actually crippled from the RA. I was on 40 MGS and it took forever to get off. The RA had caused me to lose 28 lbs so when I gained the prednisone weight it was not as harsh.
Believe me you have to be totally off for several month before your metabolism returns.

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