starting prednisone tomorrow

Ive been on it for about 3 weeks with no complaints. So far so good here on Prednisone!

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Prednisone 10mg (1.5) tabs twice per day= 30mg per day

Asacol 400mg (3) tabs twice per day= 2400mg per day

started both meds on Thursday 10-4-2007

10-22-07- coming out of about an 8 week flare (my first one ever)

Pred. really helped get me out of two flares. Side effects wise I had insomnia, head in the clouds feeling and I actually had weight loss. Let us know how you are doing!

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Tabitha (Tab)

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-6 a day, Acidopholis Pearls, Prilosec OTC

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Co-Moderator UC Forum

Hi mxb203! I was very, very worried about going on prednisone, too. I started on 40 for two weeks and have decreased by 5 mg. per week and will be on 15 this Wednesday! Looking back, the prednisone "knocked" my flare out within a few days and although I have had an increase in the munchies and sometimes rather 'hyper' energy, I'm glad I took it and would probably take it again, if needed. I did have hot flashes vs. night sweats and even though the doctor didn't think I needed more calcium, I have been taking the Viactiv chews (winn-dixie brand) just in case. Keep us posted!

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Doses that start at 40 mg and taper quickly probably won't cause any obvious side effects. I actually felt great starting at 40 and tapering 5 mg each week. The flare I was having stopped immediately and I felt energized. Check out the book Coping With Prednisone to learn more:

http://www.amazon.com/Coping-Prednisone-Other-Cortisone-Related-Medicines/dp/0312195702/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-1230798-0579644?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1193164911&sr=8-2

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Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

pred is great and awful. great because usually knocks a flare on its a**, but awful because of side effects. here are my thoughts:
* a responsible GI uses pred as little as possible.
*don't rush the taper b/c that is penny wise but pound foolish
*side effects: after a few weeks I srtarted having insomnia (AI had to take ambien to get past it), couldn't ever sit still, and some aches. that was about it while on it at high doses. then, when tapering, some acne and gained about 5 pounds.
*REMEMBER: as long as you aren't on it way too long, the side effects will pass. they are depressing at the time, but they do pass.
good luck. be kind to yuorself. don't freak out. it is a super useful drug (when not used often)

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29/Female/NC
Pancolitis dx 3/07
*12 Asacol/day
*150mg Imuran/day (steroid dependent)
Various vitamins, probiotics, fish oil.