I have been off of it now for about a week and just developed a rash with an itch. Has anyone ever had that?
I was on prednisone, 60mg a day for 15 days, stopped and now have a rash, anyone else had this?
Question posted by suzyz282 on 23 Feb 2013
Last updated on 23 October 2018 by Charmk56
3 Answers
Charmk56
23 Oct 2018
I was on prednisone on and off for over 3 years. The last time for about 6 months. I also got a rash and itching after tapering down.
My immunologist said it was from having a weakened immune system from the prednisone in my case.
You haven't been on it that long, but it can affect an already low immune system. See an immunologist to test your immune system.
I would bet that's where your ear infection came from too. Your immune system isn't up to par for some reason.
Allegra is good for the rash, as is Zyrtec. Benadryl helps alot too. I take it at night when itching is the worst as it makes some people sleepy.
The itching will subside in time.
hnldeveloper86
23 Oct 2018
Suzy, I experienced sudden hearing loss two weeks ago and am still dealing with it and on steroids. I'd really love to learn more about what happened to you. Did the doctor prescribe the 15 days of 60mg or did you take it longer than he had told you to? Did you taper off of it? You are really lucky to have recovered from it.
endlessPred
23 Feb 2013
What were you being treated for?
suzyz282
23 Feb 2013
I developed sudden hearing loss in one ear, and they prescribed the prednizone. It did help the hearing loss totally, however, now after being off of it, I have an itchy rash.
endlessPred
23 Feb 2013
Ok. Then you need to see the doctor right away. You are allergic to something. Because it happened after the prednisone, this is something new. Prednisone would normally prevent a rash as it reduces inflammation and inhibits a reaction to antigens. This would not be a reaction to the prednisone as it would have happened while you are taking it. An allergic response is very rare.
Let me know what the doc says.
If it gets worse and you are having problems swallowing, breathing, or other allergic response, please call an ambulance. There is no time to wait.
Otherwise, keep an eye on it and be sure to wash the area with soap and water in case it is a contact rash to a chemical or plant. If it is all over your chest, back, or limbs, get to a doctor right away. If fever, go to doctor or ER.
karenmcc
12 March 2013
I was prescribed 50mg a day for 14 days and then tapering off for the exact thing! Hearing loss in my left ear. My hearing is now back and I am currently on day 3 after the course of weaning off the prednisone. Today I noticed a rash... On my forehead, on my scalp and now my legs and arms. It itches like crazy. After googling this effect after taking prednisone I am noticing we aren't the only ones with this reaction. Interestingly enough the answers all seem to be that it is something else. I now believe it is the prednisone. I have had major bloodwork and test done in the last few weeks to try to figure out the hearing loss problem, so I know I have no other problems. This is happening to too many people for it to be a coincidence.
endlessPred
12 March 2013
Hi. Keep me posted. Am very curious about this. Did they biopsy the rash to know what it is? I find this curious. I am taking neurontin for shingles, and the warning effects for that drug is ear problem/pain. You have that as well?
I am not sure about the rash with prednisone. Side effects are rare. However, with a depressed immune system, it wouldn't be odd to have something else show up after stopping.
karenmcc
12 March 2013
The hearing loss they determined after many blood tests and hearing tests was caused by nerve damage in the inner. This happens to women between the ages of 40-50 (I'm 46). They have no idea why it happens, but it is caused from too much caffeine, chocolate and salt. The prednisone initially gets the hearing back and then I have to be careful what I eat after. I was on the prednisone for 1 week tapering it off. When the hearing loss happened again they put me on 50mg a day for 14 days and then 7 days of tapering off again. I have been 3 days with no prednisone in my system and this rash came out of no where driving me out of my mind with the itching. I am taking zyrtec for the rash. I will keep you posted how long it lasts and what my ENT doctor says about the link between the two!
endlessPred
14 March 2013
Appreciate your discoveries. Yes, please keep me posted. Karen
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Further information
- Prednisone uses and safety info
- Prednisone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Prednisone (detailed)
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