1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Whoops...what to do now

Posted , 15 users are following.

rocketman42
rocketman42

Each week I pre-fill my pill box with all the pills I need to take for the week. I have been taking my 10mg ( two 5mg pills ) of prednisone around 5-6 am each morning and did the same today. It is now evening here and I noticed today I didn't feel well and was wondering what was wrong.

I just went to take out my pills for tomorrow morning and noticed that I accidentally filled each days supply with two 1mg pills which means I only took 2 mg this morning instead of 10mg.  That certainly would explain why I felt like cr*p today.

The question is now that it is evening here and I'm not due to take my 10mg until tomorrow morning, should I wait or take something additional at this time to tide me over until the morning. SInce I will be going to sleep soon I can certainly bear with it but want to do the right thing.

Why do they make the 1mg and 10mg pills look so similar .....very stupid ?

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • audrey80537
    audrey80537 rocketman42

    Posted

    If This happened to me I would take 10mg tonight and another 10 in the morning. Or 8 tonight and 10 in the morning. I'm sure it won't hurt you in any way.
  • maid_mariane
    maid_mariane rocketman42

    Posted

    I personally would take at least 5mg. Shouldn't bother your sleep to much but will tide you over.
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy rocketman42

    Posted

    I agree with the others I would take a dose now. Taking a bit too much once off will not make any difference and why suffer.
  • track
    track rocketman42

    Posted

    Easy done Scott,  I cannot advise you but others will.  I would just like to say I always mark with a black pen on the top of the pill bottle a large number of what the mg is, and I find this is very good to follow with no mistakes.  

    best of luck

  • julian.
    julian. rocketman42

    Posted

    you've probably had a good night's sleep by now ...... the good side of "oops" is that you know the pred is useful .... lol
  • tina-uk_cwall
    tina-uk_cwall rocketman42

    Posted

    Scotth, one day pre pill box I forgot to take my medication and like you come 4pm I was feeling very ill. I immediately took my dose of 10mgs, then the next day I took my next dose at 12 noon, then the next day took my dose at the normal time. This worked for me. I would immediately take the difference of 8mgs, then try what I did. All the best, tina
  • rocketman42
    rocketman42

    Posted

    Thank you all for your responses.

    As it turns out, I wound up falling asleep without taking any additional meds and woke up this morning without any major problems other than shoulder pain and some generalized stiffnness. I immediately took my 10 mgs and will keep my fingers crossed that things will be OK. 

     

    • EileenH
      EileenH rocketman42

      Posted

      It'll be fine - everyone has done it at least once! If you weren't too bad this morning that is a quite a good sign. I used to take a double dose on alternate days and it worked well for me (it isn't recommended for PMR and absolutely not for GCA by the way) - in some people the antiinflammatory effect lasts up to 36 hours so if you are at that end of the spectrum and 10mg is well above your "right" dose you should have no ill effects.
  • judytal
    judytal rocketman42

    Posted

    I have come to this many times at the beginning of my PMR journey... Everyone was so very positive and supportive for which I am truly grateful. However, often times I see people making recommendations regarding Meds ( when to take, how much to take etc). This is WRONG no one , unless you are this person's physician should tell people what to take. We each have our own bodies and reactions to Meds. That is a great responsibility you are taking on and it can be dangerous. I believe this site is supportive not medical substitution for physicians.

    Best t all

    • stella-dk
      stella-dk judytal

      Posted

      No, you are wrong. People ask for advice and get it. What they are going to do with it, is their own choice. No one tell enyone what to take, but give advice. And tell what they would do in the same sitiation. That is VERY helpful.
  • Oregonjohn-UK
    Oregonjohn-UK rocketman42

    Posted

    Bit late for the party have been very busy and away from the PC.

    The best advice I can give is either contact your Pharmacy or better still read the data sheet that comes with every med!

    For Mr Fred it states: 'If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember.  However, if it's almost time for your next dose, then do not take the missed dose at all.  NEVER take a double dose to make up for the one missed'  

    As far as missing part of your dose you are not taking any more than you would have if the makeup is no more than the total.

    There should be a number on the tablet indicating the dose either a 5 or a 1 - I have just checked mine and they a clearly marked, this is common practice with meds of the same type that can be prescribed in different mgs amounts.  UK info - may be different in other countries?

     

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga rocketman42

    Posted

    Today, hanging about the pharmacy while hubby had a prescription filled, I noticed they're now supplying "medi-pacs" - If you're on multiple meds they'll prepare blister packs for you.  They are all dated and with the time you should take the dose and everything.  Terribly environmentally unfriendly, but possibly a good idea for some.
  • eileen11130
    eileen11130 rocketman42

    Posted

    I would have taken the extra 5 mg pill.....your pill doesn't know what time it is....it just starts to do its thing!,,
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.