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Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I would like to know if anyone is currently taking small dose Prendisone on a daily basis. The subject came up at my recent Drs appointment

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭

I have emphysema and lung scarring. I am currently on l liter of oxygen. I seem to have allergies to so many inhalers. Anticholinergic ingredients seem to be the culprit. Seems as though I am so limited as far as what I can take to relieve symptoms. Currently using Symbicort and Dr suggested adding low dose Prendisone daily. Reading all side effects on long term use, I am having a hard time making a decision without some legitimate feedback from those who have actually added this to their… read more

February 21
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with low-dose prednisone for lung conditions, with several describing significant side effects including... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with low-dose prednisone for lung conditions, with several describing significant side effects including severe bruising, thinning skin and hair, bone fractures, weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and spiked blood sugar levels. Several members offered practical strategies, such as working with doctors to taper to the lowest effective dose, using prednisone only during flare-ups rather than daily, combining it with chronic azithromycin or anti-inflammatory supplements like Fisetin and Cordyceps, and exploring natural alternatives when possible. A recurring theme was that prednisone can be a miracle drug for breathing relief, but the long-term side effects are serious and deeply personal, with members urging careful consideration of whether the benefits outweigh the risks and emphasizing the importance of discussing all available options with a doctor before committing to daily use.

A MyCOPDTeam Member

That is a good question Glenda. It is something worth discussing with your doctor on all options. [I am not a doctor and this is just how I handled it.]

It started in spring when the pollen was in the air. It was the dust particles that irritated my lungs. I wound up on a daily maintenance of 10 mg a day. Then the side effects started showing up. Mood, weight gain, pie face, high blood pressure, increased heart rate. [about 5 months] Wound up in the ER over it all and determined the prednisone was too high for my system. So weened down to 5 Mg a day, as I started felling better I started exercising and needing less of the steroids we went to every other day. For the last 2 months I have been on 2.5 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday's and that is working out good. Now if I have a flare up we raise it for a week and back down. But my BP feels it if have have too much in my system. Next month will make it a year. That has been my experience with it. I'm still on it but I am as low doses as I can be.

I believe we should avoid it as much as possible.

February 23
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I just got off prednisone. I experienced many side effects. Bruising so badly I can't wear bracelets, thinning hair, and thinned skin. It also causes bone fractures. There are substitutes from what I've read, that aren't steroids.

February 21
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Been on low dose tic taçs long time now 10 mg daily for past five years or more.l also have ra so my case may be different then yours.For what it's worth if l has it to do over l probably would not take prednisone at all,it is a miracle drug but the any side effects in my opinion are just not worth it.Every person is different in how they want to treat this disease but when a drug causes so many bad effects,and prednisone is by far not the only one,then you really have to decide if the benefits are worth it.I would try different options and take awhile to decide on This course of treatment.My reply is probably no help at all in making your decision but after all the damage is done it is to late to turn back time.Good luck.

March 3 (edited)
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I am on that for 12 days and it does help me a lot . I think I have about 3 days left . I also do breathing treatments 2 to 3 times a day and it makes me feel like a normal person.

February 23
A MyCOPDTeam Member

There are replacements for prednisone. Ask your Dr. personally I've had a lot of side effects but I'm extremely sensitive to all medications.

February 23

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