Prednisone side effects: HELP!

[Sharon]

I've developed what I believe are severe stomach acid issues on Prednisone.
I was started on 20mg 7 weeks ago and have currently tapered down to 5mg.
Stomach pains began quickly and I began taking Omreprazole before each dose.
I stopped taking the anti-acid for about 10 days after tapering down to 10mg since I didn't feel the stomach pains anymore.
Then suddenly last week I began suffering from gut issues and very sharp pains which have been getting worse.
I began taking the Omreprazole regularly again before the Prednisone a few days ago, but the issues persist
and everything I eat suddenly causes me terrible stomach pain, gurgling noises, sometimes heartburn....
I don't know what to do anymore...I need to continue tapering the Prednisone and the Omreprazole isn't helping enough (still helps somewhat, but not for long). I can barely tolerate to eat right now.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[irish]

Have you seen your doctor? This is something that needs to be addressed by your doctor. You will probably end up having some testing done if you don't improve. Also, the omeprazole may not be the med that works and a different one may need to be prescribed.

Also, you could have an infection, either bacterial or yeast, that needs treatment. Prednisone can make one prone to get an infection. If you keep on trying to treat this on your own you could end up with a hemorrhage that could be extremely dangerous. Generally when one has a Gastrointestinal bleed it will be something that is not overwhelming that can wait for a doctors appointment.

Then again, there are those sudden hemorrhages that can result in ambulance, ER, blood transfusions and surgery. Not worth taking the chance. Hope you can get in soon to get some treatment. Good luck. Irish

[Sharon]

Thanks Irish, could infections explain the acidity issues?
My doctor had prescribed the Omreprazole to be taken before the Prednisone after I originally complained
of the side effects. I figured all the pains returned since I had stopped taking it. Baking soda helps some more.
I had full GI examinations (invasive) 3 months ago for all my sensitivities after which they concluded all was fine.
My rheumy is unavailable (not even in the country) and my GP is dismissive of my symptoms.

[gurs]

I would try another antacid...Omreprazole did nothing for me. I switched to over the counter prevacid 15mg and it worked much better. I also take a ton of digestive enzymes.

Stomachs as we know can be set-off by so many things...change in diet, food, etc. I found dairy does a number on me. Its so hard to figure out!!! good luck..hope you find some relief

Gursie

[Sharon]

Thank you Gursie,
I'm on a Paleo diet and the only change I've made is taking Prednisone,
so I'm quite sure it's somehow related to the med.
I have read Prednisone can cause ulcers, but I haven't been taking it for very long.
Could be I do need to change to a different antacid until I taper off it, thanks for the advice!

[irish]

If it was me I would want to check with my doctor or a doctor as an ulcer could have developed. Ulcers can develop almost overnight at times. The advice to change to a different med is also something that could help. There are several good pills on the market that night help. Talk to your pharmacist and see what he/she suggests. Good luck. Irish

[KatieB]

  Omreprazole didn't help me much either, my doctor changed it to pantoprazole. They seem to be pretty similar, I'm not sure why this one seems to be more effective for me, but it just does!  I take it an hour to 1/2 hour before I eat in the morning and at bedtime. Most of the time it helps a lot. Hope you feel a bit better soon,


                                  Katie B

[Nomad]

Two things that have helped me in the past when things like that were particularly bad were:
1. Drinking some water with baking soda stirred in
2. Sleeping in my recliner chair for a night or two

Also, follow a GERD diet. Avoid any foods that might be an issue. Cheese, chcolate, soda....those are some general things...but we are all different.

If you do think you are going to eat something debatable, consider taking two Prelief tablets at least five minutes ahead of time. But certainly not something to mess around with.

Drink a lot of water in between meals.

I hope you feel better soon.

My prednisone dosage is very low now at 13 mgs. When I was on 20 mgs. I had extra GERD problems, but this low dosage isn't bothering me. I take Axid now and then...that is all I take for GERD-like issues at this time.

[Sharon]

Thank you irish, Katie and Nomad!
Those are all very good ideas and I will try them.
I am currently down to 5mg Prednisone and hope to taper off it completely soon.
I really hope these symptoms will eventually disappear when I do so.