Connect
Prednisone tapering
I finished ADT on 12/21 and I’m having a difficult time tapering off of the prednisone I was given along side the Zytiga along with Orgovyx. I’ve been tapering for 7 weeks from the 5mg I took for 6 months. My energy levels are still very low, I’m having more hot flashes than I did during treatment and I’m frustrated that my MO has not given me much support in the tapering process. Based on my research I requested cortisol and ACTH blood test and I asked chatGPT what it(?) thought. Unfortunately, the testosterone blood test is still pending, as I think that can also be part of the problem. I’m at 1.5 mg per day and it told me to hold until I felt better - approximately 2 weeks. Anyone have experience to share on this subject and do you think I should go to an endocrinologist in lieu of my MOs minor attention to my issue. Thanks.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I would suggest lots of data on Polymyalgia Rheumatica site. Anyone on prednisone longer than 2 weeks can have an issue tapering. Your symptoms fit exactly an adrenal insufficiency.
I used this method for a benzodiazepine taper I did. However, I used (full fat) to help with the bioavailability of the medication, it also made the mixture a little more precise (for me) as I slowly tapered off...I hope that makes sense. It worked well for me.
Its a 3 part series of vids
The problem with tapering prednisone is pretty common. I tapered off for about six weeks, but when I stopped completely, I was exhausted in the afternoon and had to get sleep. I didn’t realize at the time that I should’ve continued a little bit of prednisone
Over at the advanced prostate cancer weekly meetings with Ancan.org This has been discussed repeatedly. Some people just need longer tapering than others. The results varied greatly.
I think you are confusing prednisone with lack of testosterone. Your hot flashes have nothing to do with prednisone, it is caused by a lack of testosterone. Some people it comes back quickly and other people it takes a long time. My brother was on Lupron for six months, His testosterone came back very slowly, so his hot flashes continued, as well as the fatigue for at least nine months after stopping.
I know you’re waiting for your testosterone results. I suspect they’re not gonna be a very high number.
The strange thing is that when I was on the ADT my hot flashes were minimally sensed. Now I feel them more frequently and stronger. So while I understand they’re associated with the reduced testosterone perhaps they are less tolerated or the sensation is more noticeable with the reduced prednisone. I’m not stating that as scientific fact; rather it’s an explanation of my circumstances as best I can account for my condition. Thank you for the reply