How long can Prednisone/Prednisolone be administered?

I know it depends on how long your doctor wants you to take it, but from personal experience, what's the longest you've being on it and/or a friend/relative being on it?

My longest was probably 3 mos at the most, and I think that was when I was first diagnosed back in 1975. Now I no longer allow them to put me on more than 30 mg starting dose and I am off it in six weeks max.

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Gail*Nanners* Co-Moderator for Crohns Disease
Crohn's Disease for over 35 years. Currently on Asacol, Protonix, Estrace, Prinivil, Diltiazem, Percoset prn for pain, Zofran, Phenergan, Probiotics, Calcium, Vit D, and Xanax prn. Resections in 2002 & 2005. Also diagnosed w/ Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, & Anxiety. Currently my Crohns is in remission, but my joints are going crazy!

My husband in 2008, was taking prednisone in varying doses from April until end of December. April was 120 mgs of solumedrol, May was 80 mgs of prednisone, and slowly tapering until he finally got off prednisone end of December 2008. That's the longest he's been on steroids.

Last year, he was on it for about 4 months (Nov - Feb) - 40mgs and tapering by 5 mgs every 2 weeks.

PV

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Husband with Crohn's
Diagnosed March 2003 Ulcerative Proctitis
Diagnosed March 2008 Crohn's & C-diff, hospitalized 45 days
Crohn's in Remission since June 2008
C-diff recurrence Sep 2009
Reactive Arthritis Nov 2009
Currently c-diff free
Osteopenia of spine (Mar 2010)
Canasa (1gm), Lialda (4.8 gms), Remicade (8 weeks)
Currently In Remission

I spent 6 months tapering from 40mg. Most of that was at 20mg.

I have a friend whose father has been on 20mg of Prednisone for almost 20 years. Not sure about the side effects he had, but there really wasn't any other medication that helped his condition...

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Diagnosed 2002 at 18. Remission for about 7 years. Getting back into the swing of things at 26.

100mg Imuran, 750mg Balsalazide 3x day, Flagyl (death pills. yuck)

Flaring...

Had to abandon SCD...for now.

I've been on and off for most of my 22 years with this DD. I can't really remember the last time I was off it entirely. I am on a very low dose, 7mg, currently, and am basically steroid dependent. However, at this dose my doctor feels that the benefit I get from the low dose out weighs the long term side effects. It was the only drug when I was first diagnosed that helped me, so it is the drug I love to hate.

My mother was also steroid dependent and spent most of her CD life on prednisone. So for my family it just seems to be the drug that works for us.

The damage it can do is well documented both long term and short term. Long term, you can take some precautions and try not to be on it for long stretches at a time, make sure you take extra calcium...... Short term, it can cause all types of problems, but your doctor can help you with most of them. Sleep, racing heart(anxiety)..., just ask for help. Basically, do your research and know what you are getting into and be prepared. I'm assuming you are asking because your doctor has put you on it, or is considering it.

Ivy had a post with lots of info on all of our most common medications attached to her signature. I think it is still there. That would be a great place to start.