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Need pred. advice

Posted , 5 users are following.

ron25099
ron25099

I have been past weeks weaning down to 15 on prednisone, having had PMR for over year and a half. Recently developed rash over most of my body--I think from "Plaquenil" that Rhem dr prescribed (and have stopped)-- and couldn't sleep despite antihistamines and Benydryl.  My primary doctor told me to take "40" mg prednisone each of two days and then "20" each of two days, then back to 15.  Took 40 again today and rash grief has almost entirely disappeared.  Now I'm turning to the experts: Although I'm anxious to be off pred., at sudden drop from 40 to 15 in 5 days seems at odds with the "slow" advice I've monitored from you folk.  What would you do?

--Ron

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Daniel1143
    Daniel1143 ron25099

    Posted

    I would be surprised if Paquenil were the culprit. From what I understand it has very few side effects and is deemed to be very safe. I've been on it now for several months and is allowed me to reduce Prednisone  much faster. 

     as for the step up and step down in prednisone, this is a common approach when one has a sudden flair. From my experience, so long as the step up and step back down comes within a few days, your body doesn't acclimate to the new higher level and you do not need to start tapering from the higher level.

    • EileenH
      EileenH Daniel1143

      Posted

      Rash is a listed less common side effect of plaquenil. Usually regarded as mild - but everyone is different.
  • Anhaga
    Anhaga ron25099

    Posted

    I agree with Daniel.  You will only be on the high dose for a couple of days and then dropping back down over a couple more to the dose where you have been.  I suspect this is better than allowing your body to get used to a new high dose!
    • Anhaga
      Anhaga

      Posted

      And, looking up common side effects of plaquenil, looks like skin rash is one of them.
  • amkoffee
    amkoffee ron25099

    Posted

    I think the doctor is assuming you had an allergic reaction to the Plaquenil and that is why he had you up your dosage of prednison. If you had not been on predison in the first place he would have perscribe it to you. That is the normal treatment for an allergic reaction along with the antihistamine and Benydryl.
  • EileenH
    EileenH ron25099

    Posted

    The steep increase and rapid drop is a perfectly normal way of dealing with something like a rash, especially if they think it might be allergic in origin, or a chest infection. Mind you - still seems quite a lot but if it worked! There is no risk with doing that at all. The reduction in PMR to find the right longer term dose and then to get to zero is a different matter.

    Everyone is anxious to be off pred - but rushing it at lower doses doesn't work!

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