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Prednisolone, antibiotics and probiotics ?

Posted , 8 users are following.

jan21306
jan21306

I have PMR, am at present on 71/2 mg pred.   I have severe gastritis and H. Pylori so soon have to start treatment with 4 antibiotics in the space of 10 days.  I am on a mild probiotic at the moment, but really need to go on a strong one such as VSL#3.  I have read that being on an immunosuppressant drug it might not be good to take probiotics.  

Can anyone throw some light on this for me please before I pay a large amount for a really good probiotic.  My stomach is not in a good way, so I really do need it, if at all possible.

Many thanks!

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • LayneTX
    LayneTX jan21306

    Posted

    Hi Jan,

    All I can share is what I'm doing... Refrigerated probiotics atleast 12 billion active cells (doctor finally recommended) has helped my stomach. Also 1-2 oz Aloe Vera juice helped, but I later figured out it was causing me low blood sugar (I have problems with that). Also, switching to Rayos Prednisone (6mg) has helped. 

    I'm finding when my acid reflux starts it causes very much pain in my upper back.

    I've struggled with dry mouth, dry everything, so I'm also now thinking that is causing stomach issues because if I chew gum after I eat I do NOT feel the reflux symptoms!! I think chewing causes saliva to enter and helps with digestion as well. 

    And of course trying to avoid acid foods, which can be hard to do. 

     

    • jan21306
      jan21306 LayneTX

      Posted

      Thanks Layne, its good to hear from someone who is already taking probiotics.  I am taking a low dose one at the moment, but the one I want to take needs refrigeration and is also over 12 billion.  

      I dont have a problem with aloe vera as my blood sugar is too high, would welcome it going lower !  I also take some L-Glutamine as it is supposed to help restore the stomach lining.  

      I have found that chewing gum helps as well.  My pharmacy has xylitol gums in different flavours, like tea tree, cinnamon etc. which has been really helpful and no sugar or aspartame etc.  

       

  • EileenH
    EileenH jan21306

    Posted

    There was a discussion recently on one of the forums about probiotics and pred and while there are some sites that suggest you shouldn't mix them, others don't say anything. 

    I think though that your gastroenterologist is the person to ask whether it is OK.  

    "The biggest concern in the use of probiotics is in individuals who already have serious illnesses. Studies have found that probiotics can produce a life threatening disease called lactobacillus septicaemia in individuals with weakened immune systems or severe sicknesses.  ...

    Discuss the use of probiotics with your doctor if you currently take any of the medications below:

    - Immunosuppressants including Zenapax, CellCept, Simulect, ect.

    - Corticosteroids such as prednisone, Flonase, etc.

    - Antibiotics like penicillin, clindamycin, ofloxacin, etc. "

    I think the problem is probably with higher doses of steroids where the immune system is affected a lot but there is no disputing that some people are very susceptible to infections when taking oral pred. Septicaemia is something that is not to be risked lightly - so do ask the doctor what he feels.

     

    • jan21306
      jan21306 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen,

      i will speak to my gastroenterologist about it.  

      The possibility of getting septicaemia is not a pleasant thought.   I am finding it difficult to get my head round being on strong antibiotics with probiotics for one illness, the possibility of getting septicaemia and then needing more antibiotics.  Having already had 4 different antibiotics, would taking more cure the septicaemia.  

      It might be better not to take the probiotics.  I will definitely speak to my GP and the gastroenterologist.   Thank you very much for the info on it.

    • LayneTX
      LayneTX jan21306

      Posted

      Please share what you gastro doctor says. I'd be very interested. 

      Also, you mentioned xylitol gum, thanks I'll look for that!!! I was wishing for a more "healthy" gum. Plus if you have acid stomach they say avoid mint, wellllll, most gum is mint. 

    • jan21306
      jan21306 LayneTX

      Posted

      I will be seeing him next week, so will let you know.   The xylitol gum is made by miradent.  They also have cranberry and green tea.   All much better than mint !    
  • karenjaninaz
    karenjaninaz jan21306

    Posted

    I had a gas issue with sugar free gums: the sugar alcohol substitutes like xylitol and sorbitol gave me lots of bloat. Too bad because I really enjoyed those gums.
    • jan21306
      jan21306 karenjaninaz

      Posted

      Hi Karen, that is a shame because I think dentists recommend this xylitol one for after meals and it has been a great help to me with my acid stomach.  Have you tried this particular one ?
  • karenjaninaz
    karenjaninaz jan21306

    Posted

    Jan, I am not chewing any gum and haven't in awhile. I have experimented with different acid blockers. Some give me gas from the lactose in the formulations. I have to check the "inactive" ingredients which can bother me. Another ingredient, magnesium, acts like a laxative to me. I have IBS and my small bowel is shortened.  After being obstructed and surgically excised 4 years ago.

    My stomach is comfortable now- after experimentilation: I take 20mg ranitidine (pepcid formulation) twice a day. I take it before the pred and I put my pred in capsules. The capsules make it easier to keep the pill groups organized in my daily pill box- maybe protecting the stomach.

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