[hopeful27]

Changing from dex to prednisone

by hopeful27 on Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:30 pm

Has anyone changed from dex to prednisone? My mom is going to be taking prednisone every other day to see if she feels better. Has anyone been on steroids every other day?
Thanks.

[lys2012]

Re: Changing from dex to prednisone

by lys2012 on Sat Mar 21, 2015 11:48 am

I've taken both. Both are unpleasant, sorry to say. Similar side effects on both. What seems to matter is the dose. Even on low dose, I have side effects, but just not as strong (heart palpitations, breathless, migraine, shaky, red face, etc.).

[indy mike]

Re: Changing from dex to prednisone

by indy mike on Mon Mar 23, 2015 2:30 pm

Hi Hopeful,

I was at a local patient seminar earlier this month that included experts from around the country. The topic of dex came up in our myeloma breakout session. The question was whether the dosage could be broken split over several days. I take 20 mg a week, for example, and asked if I could take the dosage over 2 or even 3 days.

The doc said there were studies done that show it's more harmful taking lower doses more frequently than it is to take the full 20 mg in one dose. The studies includes patients with other diseases where dex is a treatment. Apparently the risk of diabetes and other problems rise with the split dosing.