Prednisone tapering?

Question

I've tapered down from 15mg to 2.5. I'm tired, bruising, and itching to death. Is this the norm? I'm being treated for newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis...thanks for any information that you can offer!

Answer 1

I'm no doctor, but you need to speak with yours.  Here are just some listed.

Prednisone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache

dizziness

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

inappropriate happiness

extreme changes in mood

changes in personality

bulging eyes

acne

thin, fragile skin

red or purple blotches or lines under the skin

slowed healing of cuts and bruises

increased hair growth

changes in the way fat is spread around the body

extreme tiredness

weak muscles

irregular or absent menstrual periods

decreased sexual desire

heartburn

increased sweating

If the link below gets cut off, go to: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Click the drugs and supplements link.  There's an alphabetical index there for you.  There's a whole lot more things listed, so I urge you to read the entire article and call your doctor.

Answer 2

That's quite a large drop, as they suggest only 5 to 10 mgs.  So dropping this fast could cause some of the discomfort you're experiencing.

Potassium will help some of it and it will go away within a week I would think since you'll be off it shortly.  I would drink lots of water and sleep when you feel it (if you can).  Also use either lotion or the anti itch lotions they have on the market.

Depending on the severity of your RA, the larger the dose, the slower they pull you off of it.  Sorry to hear as it can cause havoc with your system.