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Maybe this is not a good idea

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/25/2021 1:39 PM (GMT -8)
IN a stubborn flare and was prescribed a 40mg course of pred over 8 weeks with 5mg per week taper.

To avoid taking the pred for the full 2 months I've tried taking 40mg for 7 days and then stopping cold turkey to see if that is enough to jolt me out of the flare. I do feel better but then symptoms return after 4-5 days. I've tried this for 3 times stopping cold turkey at 40mg each time at the end of the week. What I'm more worried about is that I seem to be developing aches and pains and yucky feeling. Could this be because I'm stopping at 40mg at end of week without a taper?
Posted 12/25/2021 2:35 PM (GMT -8)
Your strategy isn't likely to succeed, rather unconventional, and I see why you're feeling withdrawal. You're best to take it as prescribe. Generally, a 2 month course of Pred is enough to stop the immune system attack. Assuming it's just a run-of-the-mill flare and not disease progression. Disease progression would also require an escalation in meds and/or doses beyond the Pred.
Posted 12/26/2021 12:36 AM (GMT -8)
Don't do dat!!! LOL Taper your course and dose of prednisone or you will suffer from the sudden withdrawal in many different ways.
Posted 12/27/2021 4:55 PM (GMT -8)
just sounds to me like a reasonable idea that didn't pan out - gee, i've never done anything like that myself ;-)

did you develop the aches and pains and yucky feeling all 3 times ?

either way, it might be time to try something different - what is your history with UC regarding treatments and outcomes ? what other UC meds are you taking currently ? what are you considering next ?

TT
Posted 12/30/2021 10:50 AM (GMT -8)
You're right, it's not a good idea. You can try 40 for 2 weeks, then taper by 10 mg every week thereafter. That's what I was usually prescribed.
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