Prednisolone or Prednisone?
Posted , 13 users are following.
I am probably going to be prescribed steroids this week after weeks of 'refusing' this as an option. The pain has won! I realise I have so much to learn and want to have as many facts as possible when I have the discussion with my GP, who has been remarkably supportive and a great listener. I have just rejjalised that two drugs seem to be mentioned as the common ones prescribed for PMR, Prednisolone and Prednisone. Reading this forum, I appreciate that the PMR journey is a personal one for every sufferer but can anyone shed light on the difference between these two drugs and offer any advice on preference?
Jane
0 likes, 27 replies
Mrs.Mac-Canada GeordieJane
Posted
Hi Jane,
Since you are in the UK this won't mean alot to you but for anyone from Canada wondering about prednisolone, it is not available here. At least that is what I was told by my rheumy.
As far as "refusing" to take prednsone/prednisolone, I don't think that anyone on this forum really wanted to take this drug but, as you will find as you read more on this forum, most of us have developed a patient love hate relationship with it. I could hardly get out of bed but a few hours of taking my first dose it gave such relief that I did a little dance and I was hooked. If you take it very slow and easy with your reductions you will probably be able to get to a low dose that has minimal side affects. If you hurry, it will become a frustrating long ordeal. Some doctors don't understand this but you just end up yoyoing if you rush and everytime you have a flare it takes longer to decrease. Take it from one who knows the cost of impatience
I use Eileen's method but slow it down even more. I have actually stayed at 5mg for over 3 months because it just didn't seem that my body was ready for more. We are all different so listen to your body and you will learn what will work best for you.
I hope the prednisone/prednisolone work well for you and that you are relieved of your pain soon.
Hugs,
Diana
Anhaga Mrs.Mac-Canada
Posted
kup47 Anhaga
Posted
anapp GeordieJane
Posted
Well I tried to post a link that listed the differences side by side so was easy to view, but it was deleted for some unknown reason and unfortunately I can't even copy & paste it. I think you have probably received enough responses by now to answer your question but if you search prednisone v. prednisolone you might find the one that has the side by side differences list if you feel you still need more clarity. Sorry it didn't work.
Anhaga anapp
Posted
you can always private message - most links aren't accepted on the public feed
anapp Anhaga
Posted
Thank you. I didn't know I could do that. Just sent it to GeordieJane for what it's worth.
iellen32 GeordieJane
Posted
I am with you when you say that every person has a different experience regarding the intake of the same medicine
Having GCA there are three years I take Pred and having had some flare ups due to tha fast tempering of Pred I learned how to follow my own system and the result is positive.
I cook everything without salt - use olive oil, drops of lemon on broccoli, Mr Dash, herbs and follow an anti inflammatory diet.
Once s week a make a sin selecting one food out of the diet. It keeps me going , it helps..
I did not gain any weight though.
I can't wait to get the point of zero Pred!!!
Here is my experience and wish it gives you some ideas.
Stay well,
iellen
kup47 iellen32
Posted
gytis01493 GeordieJane
Edited
These drugs are different and the main difference is that prednisone must be converted by liver enzymes to prednisolone before it can work. In people with severe liver disease, prednisolone is usually preferred. You can find a different forms of this pharmaceutical drug here:
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