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prednisone for psoriatic arthritis

Posted , 4 users are following.

rhonda50243
rhonda50243

i was reading some of the feeds on prednidsone.They have been saying polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis (no active psoriasis for 50 years) and I also have fibromyalgia.

My RA doctor said my sed rates are just a little elevated but my physical symptons and my xrays indicate it is active PsA...I use Enbrel and 5 months ago started back on methotrexate. Yesterday she wanted to start me on Prednisone on a decreasing dose to 7.5 for 2 months after ist doing  15 mg for 30 days and then 10 mg for 30 days.

I am very afraid of the side affects.Has anyone had the moon face hair etc. side effects??

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • connie28112
    connie28112 rhonda50243

    Posted

    Hi Rhonda - I have been on prednisone for just over 2 years (unfortunately!), mostly at very low levels. But I started on 15mg for 2 weeks, then 10mg for 1 month and then slowly reduced to 6mg.  I don’t have any of the physical side effects - moon face etc. I’m sure that you are concerned but from what I see with friends, those types of side effects occur at much higher levels, sustained for longer periods. I know it’s not easy to make medication decisions... to weigh the pros/cons ... but for me personally, prednisone has been extremely helpful.  Good luck!!!
    • rhonda50243
      rhonda50243 connie28112

      Posted

      thank you for your caring email.....I will try it because my pain level can be terrible and unpredictable.

      I will let you know when I start ....

  • connie28112
    connie28112 rhonda50243

    Posted

    Yes I remember those days of intense pain only too well. I really hope that you find relief!  Please do keep me posted...
  • sheila65847
    sheila65847 rhonda50243

    Posted

    Hi Rhonda

    Like Connie, I have been taking Pred for over 2 years and unfortunately I have been affected by the side effects, more on that later but first let me reassure you that a 2 month reducing schedule that you will not develop a moon face or gain weight or lose your hair. If you have not taken Pred before I think you will feel terrific; your level of pain will drop dramatically; you will feel good! Pred is like the hormone cortisol, our bodies produce cortisol naturally, I think in the kidneys. That's the reason why Pred is given in a reduction schedule. Apparently when taking it our bodies may stop producing cortisol as we have sufficient in our blood, due to taking those little pills. That will not happen in a 2 month period,trust me. It's more likely to occur in long term & high dosage. I hope this info helps to put your mind at rest.

    I have developed some side effects but I've been on 30mg daily for 8 months. Initially, over 2 years ago I started on 15mg and the benefits were amazing! ! Got me out of a wheelchair, I have psoriatic arthritis by the way. I had no side effects for 12 months or so. Due to the level of pain and disease activity, my dosage crept up to 30mg and wow, the side effects began -gained over 2 stone in weight, moonface and horrendous sweats. I'm desperate to get off them as I'm very unhappy with how I look, seriously unhappy, I can't bear to look in the mirror as my face is bloated, as for my body shape..............put it this way, I've gone from size 8 to 12/14. I'm on 15mg daily now, following a reduction schedule. As my dosage has been long term, reduction is long process and I must be patient. In terms of medication for PsA, I'm currently on Cosentyx which I started 28th June and it's fantastic - my inflammation markers have reduced dramatically.

    Sorry if I've waffled too long about me & my problems. My advice to you would be follow your doctors suggestion because I believe that Pred will reduce your disease activity, reduce pain and will give you a 'lift' in yourself - what's not to like? Good luck, Rhonda. Please let us know what happens. Sheila

    • rhonda50243
      rhonda50243 sheila65847

      Posted

      I understand your feelings, however friends and family are happy to see you out of pain.

      I would look forward to getting out of bed and not walking like I have swim fins on...my whole body is sore....compounded by fibromyalga.

      I have no active psoriasis plaques, my fingers are very swollen with the swan neck..I feel more confident hearing from you and also re the dosage....thank you.Please be brave....

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