Prednisone Side Effects

I have had Poly Myalgia (PMR) (Greek meaning - Many aching muscles) for over 13 years. You and I know that it is treated with prednisone. I was weaning off of the prednisone earlier this year (down to 1 mg) when I got a big flare up. I am fortunate to have had very good strong bones prior to the start of PMR. Having been on strong doses of prednisone has left me with lots of osteoporosis and lots of crapey thin skin. About 12 years ago I was in a study at the Mayo Clinic for PMR. I had to inject a shot in myself once a week. I don't know what was in the shot, but it left me feeling wonderfully normal. It had only one side effect of diarrhea and vomiting for a large part of the day after the shot. The study was stopped because of that side effect.

Sorry , I too am a suffer of PMR for ten years .....no more said but left me with thin skin perticularly on my forearms.....it might make you feel a little better if you address the problem of your skin.....

I tried also lots of things on my armsdidnt make any difference .....saw the Tree Hut range of creams ....it is working for me the Shea moisturating butter is good for the forearms and I use the Body lotion elsewhere.....I haven't got rhyno skin any more ....still thin can't change that ......hope this helps Beryl

Hello everyone. I'm curious if any of you have experienced problems with shortness of breath, palpitations, and agitation on the higher doses of prednisone. I was started on 20 mg in May; had shortness of breath which brought me to ER where i was treated for COPD. Also had heart palpitations which led me to a whole battery of heart tests, all showing nothing of significance. I was then sent for pulmonary tests and that indicated my airways were open and no issues. After tapering the prednisone, those symptoms left. However, my PMR has flared so I'm back up to 20mg and, once again, experiencing the same side effects. My rheumatologist says prednisone is the only known option for PMR. The shortness of breath is concerning and doesn't seem normal to me.

I am currently taking 50 mg prednisone daily for Nephrotic Syndrome MCD. Prednisone intermittently causes me to have an increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and changes in my ability to breathe normally. Usually when I notice respiratory symptom side effects, my nose is also “plugged” on a level. If you have had normal cardiac and pulmonary work-ups, the side effects of Prednisone may be causing your symptoms based on what I’ve learned taking a high dose then weaning over the last 2 years. My husband is currently taking 12.5mg pred for his PMR and he claims no side effects for him. My list is long and my worst side effect for my dose of pred is insomnia. Agitation associated with prednisone is established. “Roid Rage.”

Hello @maryft. You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on Prednisone side effects so you can connect with other members like @rkndvm, who has already responded, as well as other members such as @beryl and @glenner075 may also be able to provide some information and support.

I had some SOB when bending over to do things, and worried that I was getting somthing else besides PMR. But no it was the prednisone. It went away after I got down to 3.5 mgs. I still can cry easily, very hot - need a fan to keep me cool, my heart rate was concerning to me for a while - 110-120's but no palpitations, brain fog is the worst thing. Can't wait to be off this prednisone!

Has anyone experienced hair loss with Prednisone? If so does it grow back when Prednisone discontinued?
Also my WBC has risen while on Prednisone. Is that common? Thanks !

Hi @kspowell Thank you for your post! There are several members talking about Prednisone. You will see that I moved your post to a conversation that is already talking side effects of the medication.

Here is some vital information about what you are talking about.
"Does hair grow back after stopping prednisone? Once people stop taking the medication, they may start to see hair growing back within 6 months. In most cases, hair will grow back by itself once a person stops taking the medication. People may be able to help hair growth with at-home treatments."
How to reverse hair loss from medication: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327068

"Does steroids cause WBC to increase? -- Prednisone can increase WBC as early as the first day of therapy. The elevation and rapidity of increase are dose related. The important pearl is that steroid-induced leukocytosis involves an increase of polymorphonuclear white blood cells with a rise in monocytes and a decrease in eosinophils and lymphocytes." --- Unexplained leukocytosis in a hospitalized patient - MDedge: https://www.mdedge.com/chestphysician/article/144427/infectious-diseases/unexplained-leukocytosis-hospitalized-patient

How long have you been on the medication?

Hi @kspowell, my hair got thinner and less curly on Prednisone, but it has not fallen out in clumps. My WBC increased slightly. I also have reddish marks on my skin that eventually turn brown. I never had those before. I'm still grateful for it as I have an autoimmune disorder and without proper treatment, the consequences would be dire. Good luck to you!

@kspowell Ahhh, loss of hair while on prednisone. Yes that happened to me, also. I had to cleaned the shower drain every day! But it was never so much that anyone noticed, thank heavens. Now that I’m tapering the steroid, hair loss has really diminished. Have faith, hair loss will stop!