ever done a 7-day prednisone course?

Hi. I've had UC since spring 2007, and though it took a year, found remission in spring 2008. Now am flaring for first time since then. During my initial diagnosis, I required 2 courses of prednisone that each lasted 12 weeks (unfortunately... though gave Imuran the necessary time to take effect). Today I've been prescribed a 7-day course that starts at 28 mgs and tapers by 4 mgs a day. (my previous courses started at 40 and tapered 5 a week with a couple of weeks here and there of no taper). I've never heard of such a short course, though admittedly I'm out of date on treatments. So, I am just wondering if anyone else has done such a short treatment? If so, has it worked?

Also, I'm kind of confused. Does this mean Imuran -- my long-time, beloved, maintenance drug -- is no longer working and I will have to switch drugs?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Thanks for the quick reply, BananaGirl. My symptoms aren't bad (yet), but I have to travel next week so we are trying to nip this before it gets going. So, I don't want a higher dose (unless my dr requires it) right now since the symptoms are manageable (though worsening by the day).

Can I ask what city or state you are in? I feel like sometimes treatments vary by geography. I used to live in North Carolina, and again, had never had a short course, but now I go to Mount Sinai, in NYC, where the dr said this is a standard treatment. So strange.

yeah, avoiding side effects would be great. as for geography, Pittsburgh also has very cutting edge medical care, so there goes my geography theory!

I took the pred pack you are talking about it but I did not take it for my UC. I actually had it laying around the house for years, prescribed for heal pain before I even had my UC. I just took it this year, during the time I do have UC. It worked great and I was very close to remission for the first time in over two years. I never quite achieved it though and my symptoms returned to normal day by day shortly after the pack was finished and I was back to square one. I pretty much figured that that is what would happen. Prednisone is not a cure or a remission drug. It only works while you are on it and as soon as you get off it quits working.

NYC has some of the best IBD gastros in the U.S. If you don't have confidence in the one you're now seeing at Mt. Sinai, there are sure to be alternatives. I haven't heard of a 7-day Pred course for UC, but it may be enough of a jog to your system to restore remission-- since you're not yet in a full-blown flare. Good luck! / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)