Prednisone User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Dun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Prednisone has been a savior at being a quick fix in getting rid of my crippling RA symptoms. Started on 10mg a day with no side effects. Now into my 7th week on it and tapered down to 7.5mg. I'm getting terrible side effects. Agitation, anxiety, mood swings, awful insomnia which worsens the mood swings, and the lack of sleep then causes its own lot of side effects. I'm not sure what's worse right at this moment - pain in all my limb joints or these aggravating side effects?! I am writing this at a peak of a pouty mood swing though. I don't do well without sleep and 3 nights in a row with just a few hours between them is it. On a positive note, I am almost fully mobile when on the drug. So I highly recommend it for short-term use."

• see...
• May 17, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took 10 mg oral prednisone for about 3 months, and I was pleased that there were little to no side effects for me. Within a few days, about 90% of pain in back, hands, knees, shoulders disappeared for the first time in over 20 years or more. It was wonderful, but now my doctors are refusing to prescribe prednisone anymore for me. They say it makes bones brittle. Yet, none of them will prescribe another kind of medicine, saying my ANA and sed rates are only a little on the high side. What can I do now?"

• mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2015

For Inflammatory Conditions "I've had polymyalgia rheumatica for almost two years. I was misdiagnosed for a month with 'fibro' myalgia, and prescribed medications, but nothing helped this excruciating pain. I did my own research on the Internet for my symptoms and what came up was polymyalgia. I gave my research results to my doctor, who tested and found I was positive for the malady. I started with 60 mg x 3 days, and the next morning, I was PAIN FREE. I continued on 60 mg for 2 more days, then 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10, each for a week or two. At 5 mg, I felt pain again. So I was put on a maintenance dose (some people continue to have residual pain). So I'm still happy and pain-free. Prednisone is definitely one of the wonder drugs, following aspirin and penicillin."

• Lat...
• January 24, 2016

For Inflammatory Conditions "I recently had a shoulder replacement on my left shoulder and the pain was radiating to my left side because I was using my right side more than my left. I was given muscle relaxers, took Aleve, etc., and nothing worked. I started taking Prednisone, in just one day, my pain and discomfort are gone. Thank goodness I had a pack that I didn't use and began reading about Prednisone, that it helps with inflammation. I took it and I'm feeling great and back to myself. I know it's not good to take, but it worked for me..."

• Moc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2023

For Polymyalgia Rheumatica "I was diagnosed with PMR a year ago and was prescribed 30 mg of Prednisone to start. After ruling out GCA, my doc began a tapering protocol which reduced my dosage by 2.5 every three weeks. I got down to taking 5 mg a day and believed that I could just stop and go the natural route. Well, joint and muscle pain came back with a vengeance. I had a setback big time. I’m back up to 10 mg and back to 5 mg after 10 days. So, I’m a believer that prednisone works for this condition, but I hate that other meds must be taken to manage other side effects like a PPI to protect the stomach lining. For those who are not seeing a difference, unfortunately, may need to start at a higher dose than taper slowly. Hope this helps someone."

• Hap...
• July 22, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Long story short, tapered down from 7 to 0 mg of prednisone for PMR. Pain has slowly become unbearable. I don’t walk, I shuffle. Can’t bend down for pain, my place is a mess. I’m 61. Last night on a lark, I tried 10 mg of leftover pred. This morning I am newborn! Pain has gone from 6-7 to 2! I’ve had fibromyalgia diagnoses for 4 years now. All doctors try to get me off pred. Hunh?!! What an eye-opener reading this has been!"

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 7, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Prednisone literally gave me my quality of life back!!! The days I don't take it, I hurt so bad, all I want to do is lay in bed. The days I do take it, I am very productive! I'm in a good mood, I have minimal pain. The only downside is you're super hungry, but after a while, that tapers off to.... Prednisone is not the typical treatment for fibromyalgia that I highly recommend!!! Since prednisone shuts down your own immune system, you need to stay away from sick people because most likely you'll catch it. As you all know, a normal cold is a horrendous ordeal for all of us!!! Keep up the fight, ladies!"

• emt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2014

For Inflammatory Conditions "Had a terrible hacking, uncontrollable at times embarrassing cough for 8 weeks. I was put on 4 different scripts. Finally, after none of them worked, I was put on prednisone. I took my first dose around noon today, it's now 8 pm, and the cough is gone. I also have Plantar Fasciitis. I'm sitting here amazed that the heel pain is totally gone and I'm able to walk pain-free. I know its benefits will be short-lived with the heel pain, but at this point, I'll take any relief I can get."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "When given steroids twice, for different complaints, my fibromyalgia pain and stiffness improved greatly. However, my GP claims it is of no benefit and will not prescribe for my pain. It's very upsetting when I know it's the only thing that has helped."

• 121...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2016

For COPD "Have had to use prednisone for many reasons. I believe it's a miracle drug, a lifesaver!! But with bad side effects, and shouldn't be taken for long periods of time. I suffer from COPD, psoriasis, and cirrhosis of the liver. I should be 6 ft. under at the age of 68 with all my issues but like I said, prednisone is helping me to live day to day!!"

• kis...
• January 18, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was hospitalized 2 years ago with RA for a week, that's how bad I was. I woke up totally crippled in every joint, it hit me all at once. I have been on prednisone since day one, in the hospital I was on 260 mg, get the picture of how bad I was. I have been on 60 mg for over a year on top of every RA med you could imagine plus I get injections of prednisone twice a month, we rotate every joint from my neck to my legs. And yes, it is a miracle work since nothing else has helped but it has made me so fat, 60 lbs in two years with a round face. It also causes serious side effects with diabetes. I wish I could get off of it, I stopped on my own once and was in severe pain and felt like I had the flu and my rheumatologist from John Hopkins said I had withdrawals."

• can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2015

For Asthma "Every time I get a cold that aggravates my asthma, I am put on a short 5-day stint of prednisone. It works really well, and my lungs are usually cleared up after the 5 days. The side effects I experience are increased energy level, sweating, and a sense of euphoria. All of these are manageable as it is short-term."

• Jam...
• October 15, 2019

For Eczema "Because of my eczema, I could not get out of bed nor shower without my entire body stinging or feeling like I was going to cry. I could not live my life or kiss my girlfriend. I used this drug for 1 week. Prednisone really did the job for my severity. I was inflamed and could not sleep or eat. Prednisone got me back on my feet, but it has not been long enough for me to know how badly my eczema will come back. I will re-enter this in the next few months. Though I believe people who do not watch what they eat and continue to have hot showers will eventually come back just as severe. My skin feels soft and clear all over my body after using this drug. I will keep eating healthy and keeping my stress levels at bay, all while keeping hydrocortisone with me at all times to attack minor flare-ups and keeping my eczema to a minimum. I tried every natural way, but my eczema just got too out of hand. I believe sometimes a chemical western medicine can help you get back on your feet."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2018

For Bursitis "Hip bursitis for 6 weeks with pain in the hip area, running down the thigh, involved knee, entire calf, and foot/toes at times. Ibuprofen and prescribed Robaxin helped about ten percent; the leg continued to ache, with me limping and the leg nearly giving out at times. Yesterday, the doctor injected long-acting prednisone mixed with the numbing agent lidocaine into the hip bursa. It is 18 hours later and I am nearly pain-free!! The lidocaine works first, quickly, then prednisone slowly provides strong anti-inflammatory effects. The shot was virtually painless... I would recommend this treatment modality to anyone who is not allergic to these meds. So much relief!!"

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibro for 19 years, now on Butran opioid patch 15 mcg, Norco 7.5 three times a day, Nabutome 500 mg three times a day, plus Effexor and Lexapro. Pain gradually worsened to pain constant and fatigue. Started falling and now being tested for MS or myasthenia gravis due to neck lesion and inflammation. This is my review of the 3-day high dose IVMP (IV methylprednisolone) 1000 mg DAILY, I haven't felt this good in 10 years with my fibromyalgia. Pain is so improved, you forget how bad you really do feel until the pain clears. I don't know what the future holds, but steroids have to sit in there somewhere. Slight headache and a bit of insomnia so far."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

For Asthma "I haven't had the severe problems I've been reading about on this site, it's honestly a little scary to hear. I take prednisone 2-3 times a year when I get bronchitis (chronic asthmatic bronchitis) & it works wonders for me. I just caught a cold the other day that went straight to my lungs. After two nights of wheezing & barely sleeping, I went to the doc yesterday for prednisone. Within a few hours, I could breathe freely again. Still get winded easily & tire quickly, but much easier to function & sleep now. Would be shit out of luck without it! Just for reference, I got a script of 40mgs per day for 4 days. Went to work today & was totally back in the game!"

• kyr...
• December 1, 2014

For Gouty Arthritis "Wonderful medicine for gout pain. I have been fighting gout for 7 years and I'm fairly young. My attacks have moved from the left big toe to the right big toe to the little toes, now it's taken my whole left side of my left foot. Colchicine and Vicodin didn't give me relief. Went back to the doctor, got a steroid shot, and some prednisone, was walking within hours. All the swelling that caused me excruciating pain was cleared. It's better than Indocin to me, trust me on this, give it a try."

• Ste...
• July 10, 2016

For Skin Rash "I had the worst poison ivy reaction from cleaning my yard on June 25. First, I was prescribed an antibiotic, then a steroid cream. Finally, the Mass General Hospital prescribed me this medication, and within my first full day of taking it, my rash went away. I feel completely better. I'm on 4-10 mg tablets daily, then down to 3 for 3 days, 2 for 2 days, and 1 for 1 day. I don't know what I would have done without this medication. Abusing it would be scary, but I haven't had any bad or noticeable side effects besides my back hurts."

• kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 7, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I have been struggling with fibro and degenerative arthritis in my neck. A few months ago, I broke out in a massive, welty rash on my torso, no clue as to the origin. I was given a shot and oral steroids. I felt 16 again! I am now trying low-dose intermittent prednisone, and my once debilitating symptoms are under control. I have my life back!"

• Rad...
• April 17, 2012

For Inflammatory Conditions "I am male, 57 years old. I went from being very fit and active to zero activity within a week due to acute pain symmetrically in all joints. I endured this for two months, and was finally diagnosed with PMR Disease. Started on Prednisone, 20 mg per day and obtained immediate results, eliminating 85% of any discomfort. Dose doubled after two weeks, now all pain has been eliminated and now on the direction of my Rheumatologist I am starting to wean myself off after being on it for one month. I am back in the gym, no issues. So far so good, and so far zero side effects."

• Nin...
• April 9, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA and had the opinion and experimentation of drugs from 6 different doctors, and none worked. Until one day, my 7th doctor prescribed prednisolone (prednisone). Less than 24 hours after taking it, I felt so much better. I began to do things on my own again, like hold a teacup, stand, or walk faster than I had in almost 2 years. The pain I felt every night and woke with every morning was now manageable. The moon face and weight gain were small prices to pay to be able to comb my own hair. I've weaned off from 20 mg to 2.5 mg per day, and that was great. But after a flare, I was forced to up my dosage again. Learning how to manage it with prednisone helps. Side effects of long-term use is important, but having the ability to live a normal life while having RA is a gift. Do what works for you."

• Teo...
• January 14, 2015

For Gouty Arthritis "I've been dealing with gout attacks for years. Throughout, for some reason, during the winter months, my feet really start to flare up. I've tried everything, from changing my whole diet to drinking cherry juice like it's my day job. Nothing seemed to help. I went to the doctor, they prescribed me prednisone. After two hours of taking it, my ankle subsided. I went to bed, woke up feeling like a million bucks."

• Fin...
• May 29, 2015

For Skin Rash "I have dealt with an itching face for several months. I was embarrassed for anyone to see my face. After purchasing numerous over-the-counter creams, without any results, I decided it was time to see the doctor. Thank God for prednisone...the itching went away and my skin is clear."

• Chr...
• February 25, 2017

For Inflammatory Conditions "I had experienced sore wrists, neck ache, and groin pain on and off for 6 months. Then, overnight, I became almost totally disabled. Neck pain was so bad it hurt to turn my head, shoulder pain prevented me from lifting my arms, wrist pain made it difficult to open a jar, and groin pain made it hard to walk. Inflammatory markers were initially normal, and the rheumatologist didn't even mention PMR. It was only after speaking to an osteopath who suggested it could be polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) that I requested another blood test, and my inflammatory markers were raised significantly. My doctor agreed we should try prednisone. After just a few days on 15 mg/day, the acute pain had gone, and I was able to at least dress myself."

• Kat...
• July 19, 2016

For Asthma "I have had fairly severe asthma all of my life, and prednisone does the trick each time my symptoms become unmanageable with a rescue inhaler. While the side effects are unpleasant at times, they are not long-lasting and worth it to be able to breathe again. I get irritable, flushed in the face, and a bit bloated. I have never had to take this more than six days, so this goes away once I finish the medicine."