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Is there a negative interaction taking probiotics while on prednisone?
I have been reading several conflicting articles re taking probiotics while on long term prednisone use and wondering what others have experienced. I have been on prednisone for 3 years and now down to 3mg. Prednisone has taken a toll on my gastrointestinal system causing bouts of diarrhea. Thus, I would like to try probiotics but hesitant due to the cautionary articles.
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Interesting, ive never heard of a negative interaction between prednisone and probiotics. Where did you read this? I’d be interested to read it. I have read that lactobacillus, in particular, can be beneficial as it has anti inflammatory effects, especially in patients with crohns disease
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2 ReactionsBefore you self medicate for a GI problem, I would suggest you talk to your PCP first. Are you taking the Prednisone with food? That is critical to avoid GI problems. Also, don't take NSAIDs along with Prednisone. NSAIDs come with GI risks by themselves. Please give your doctor a swing at helping with your problem first. Remember, y'all are a team.
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2 ReactionsI have never hear that. In fact I was taking a ppi (pantoprazole ) for GERD and since taking my prednisone with kefir, I have not needed the ppi. Kefir has a ton more of good bacteria in it than yogurt and most probiotics.
@vjm0223
Just experienced a bout of diarrhea today for the first time in decades. Been on pantoprozole for about a month to control excess stomach acid and GI discomfort while on prednisone. Wondering if the pantoprozole is causing it. I eat yogurt and drink kefir. Maybe I should take the prednisone with kefir as well.
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1 Reaction@laura1970 If you goggle “long term prednisone use and probiotics interactions”, you will find several articles addressing this issue.
@caroljeand one of the possible side effects of pantoprozole for some individuals is diarrhea. I have been questioning my recent use of Pepcid causing recent bout of diarrhea.
@jabrown0407 yes I take the prednisone with food, have not used NSAIDs, and consulted PCP. Prednisone use coupled with 81mg Aspirn needed to prevent a future stroke has been a challenge. I posed my original question to get a sense of others’ experiences with taking probiotics with prednisone. I have a dairy allergy or would be utilizing the consumption of yogurt or kefir. Appreciate any and all feedback. Much thanks!
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1 Reaction@cany
This PMR diagnosis makes everything complicated!
Never had so many issues since a starting prednisone.
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3 Reactions@cany
Thanks for this information.
I am hoping that consuming kefir and yogurt are beneficial and do not affect us as probiotic supplements would affect us negatively.
@vjm0223
I think the kefir is fine. It’s the probiotic supplements which sound like they are a problem.
The ppi causes a decrease of stomach acid which in turn can be a problem causing diarrhea. If gut bacteria isn’t in balance bad stuff happens.