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Withdrawal and effects of Prednisone

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Guest
Guest

Went on a 6-day prednisone pack for poison ivy.  Got a rebound case (very bad) on the second day after stopping.  Got a shot and another 6-day pack.  By the end of the second day, I started getting a different rash on various parts of my body.  Have dealt with it using oatmeal baths, Zyrtec, benedryl for two weeks.  Went to a dermatologist yesterday who said the dose and duration wasn't strong enough.  Started a one month prednisone regime yesterday (4X day for 7 days, then 3, etc).  Doing research, I'm very uncomfortable with the side effects (common ones) and one month from now I do not want to be dealing with new or the same issues (through the summer!).  I've taken 4 pills yesterday, and 4 today.  I have a second opinion appointment next Tuesday.  Can I just stop at this point?  What will happen?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH Guest

    Posted

    What DOSE are you on? 4x tablets of what dose? That has a great bearing on whether you can just stop or whether you need to taper.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Guest

      Posted

      In theory you COULD just stop after your appointment on Tuesday, you probably haven't been on the high doses long enough to affect your adrenal function too much - but I really don't recommend it and you could feel quite unwell adjusting to the change in dose. You are now into the weekend - and less access to medical attention if you were were to need it.

      The side effects at these high doses are unpleasant but they do reduce as the dose reduces. I really do suggest you stay where you are until Tuesday and discuss it with the second opinion doctor. And say to them what you have said to us. I'm sure they will understand - and may have their own approach.

    • Guest
      Guest EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen.  I had pretty much come to the same conclusion.  I will recap on Tuesday, and they can either say change the dosing schedule (with a taper, of course) or continue the regime for the full month. 
  • Sis0308
    Sis0308 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Wendy,

    You cannot just stop taking predinsone, you have to taper off of it, your adrenal glands have to wake back up from being on it. I would call your health care provider and explain to him or her your concerns and side effects of being on predinsone. Also, when we get poison ivy at our home we use Fels-Naptha Bar Soap we just rub the bar on the posion ivy without water and it works help getting ready of the posion ivy. You can buy it in the laundry or soap area of stores. 

    Hope this help

    Hope you get to feeling better!

    Sis0308

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