What is the reason for not taking Prednisone if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body?
Question posted by donnag55 on 7 May 2014
Last updated on 8 June 2020 by Lesleyann42
I have just been prescribed prednisone by my neurologist. 50 mg for 2 weeks, 40 mg for 2 weeks, 30 mg for 2 weeks and then "we will see." This is for Myasthenia Gravis -- my symptoms are not severe and I have not had any breathing problems.
Before taking prednisone, I checked it on Drugs.com. The first warning says, If you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body do not take Prednisone. I do have a fungal infection in my toenails and the bottoms of my feet. I have had it off and on for years and no topical or oral medication has ever completely gotten rid of it -- it always comes back. I am not currently taking any medication for it. What is the potential problem if i take Prednisone even though I have this fungal infection?
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5 Answers
LE
Lesleyann42
8 June 2020
Steroids are a antiinflammatory if nuro as put you on them it may have something to do with your brain. Stopping the swelling. Usually if you have an infection they give you these and antibiotics. Steroids mask other problems use cbd oil for toe nail fungus. It works great. I have been on steroids 31 years they cause diabetes and many other problems but I dont think you are intended to stop on this long.
Votes: +0
KN
Knotyours
8 June 2020
I think it really depends on the medication you are on. I was on 60mg Prednisone everyday for about a year, I developed a toenail fungus on my right bug toe about a year ago or so, it got really bad my entire toenail was so thick I couldn't get nail clippers on it to cut. I have currently been taking 40mg daily for the last 4 years, and about two months ago I noticed that now it's only in a small spot in the center of my toenail. I also take 250mg Azathioprine daily along with meds for my Crohns and Systemic Lupus. So who knows. HOWEVER... Here is my WARNER about take high doses of Prednisone for a length of time. I learned in July 2019 that I have severe Avascular Necrosis in my right hip and need that hip replaced and in about 2 years will need the left hip replaced... Prednisone side effect
Votes: +0
TE
terminallyill
14 May 2019
Prednisone will slow down your lymphatic flow. This is why you feel better. Temporarily. Unfortunately, among the many side effects, the lymphatic fluid will build up in your body and eventually disable your lymphatic system and immune system completely. Then your toe fungus will spread through your body like wild fire along with anything else your immune system was keeping in check. Almost killed me and I'm still trying to recover. My opinion is a prednisone should be taken off the market and is a very last resort or even a palliative care drug only. Play now and pay like hell later should be on the label. No long term upside to this drug.
Votes: +0
EN
endlessPred
8 May 2014
Yes, the infection can be worse. However, one can treat with both. This I have done. Nail fungus for me affected toe and finger nails. All were infected along with a staph infection. I was on high dose prednisone. The medication must be taken internally: diflucan (I don't recall if this was it). Anyhow, it may well interact with other meds as it did for me. The physician will decide which is the greater risk or greater need. Nail fungus cannot be treated with a fungus cream. The fungus is under the nail as deep as the nail bed itself. You may lose the nails. They will grow back. If any secondary infections like I had, it can take a good year to regain nail growth. The nails will change contour and develope ridges. Don't worry about it because you have nails. If the nail doesn't grow right it is best to see a dermatologist. One grew down and had to be corrected surgically. Done in the office and not a big deal.
FYI, nail fungus can also happen to people who get their nails done frequently, especially with add on nails. Nails need to grow and be free of polish and attachments without anything on them or fungus will grow. So be sure you give it a rest every couple months. Regrowing nails is a slow process.
Votes: +2
MA
marti545
8 May 2014
DARN!!! I was just at the dermatologist because of hair loss, finger bone spur and toenail fungus infection! ALSO, have been on prednisone off and on since November!!! When she found out I had been hospitalized for blood loss and the intubated in November that when your body goes into shock like that within 3 or 4 months you will get the hair loss etc. because it interferes with the hair growth cycles Well, along with that and everything else, I'm finally getting a lot on answers from information on the website! Thank You
EN
endlessPred
12 May 2014
Yea, high fever and major stress on the body does cause hair loss and the nail problem. After pregnancy most women experience major hair loss because the hormones stop hair from growing and the body resets many hormonal systems. Glad you have had some good information. :-)
MA
marti545
12 May 2014
Thanks so much this site and members have been a God send to me... It's funny 2 really stressful days and tonight I feel like I've been hit by a truck:( Going to take it easy for a few days and listen to my body like I'm told to do! :)
FC
fcarrizales
20 Dec 2014
I keep having recurring yeast infection I take predsone 5 mg
Prednisone can make any infection worse. It decreases your ability to fight infection. You should talk to your dr about the fungus on your nails, before you take the prednisone.
Votes: +3
DA
dakmaknk
7 May 2014
I too have a nail fungus and took prednisone for 7days 50mg for my copd. no weaning off. just stopped. what are the side effects of the meds if you have a nail fungus? Never thought to say anything about it. I get prednisone on and off all the time.
EN
endlessPred
12 May 2014
This needs to be sorted out by your physician. Other medications or how ill you might be is a big prt of the puzzle. Prednisone alone doesn't cause hair loss. However it makes a weaker immune system leaving us vulnerable to opportunistic infections including fungus. Always let your doctor know you have been on prednisone even if it is at the ER and you have a broken arm. How the body will heal is affected for months after using prednisone. So if taken within the past year, your doctor needs to know.
