Should I Continue Taking Prednisone While Suffering From Stomach Upset?

Posted on Mon, 9 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 6 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking prednisone 10 mg following instruction by taking by mouth 6 tablets on day 1-2,5 tablets on day 3-4 4 tabs. on day 5=6, now iam on day 5. Now I am having stomach upset. should I keep taking and finish 1 tab. on day 11-12. Thanks YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Depends on whether you are vomiting. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. It would appear that you were initially on 60mg of prednisone and have been gradually reducing the dose. It is important that the dose is not suddenly reduced. If your stomach upset has caused vomiting then this may lead to failure to absorb the correct dose of steroid. Therefore, I suggest that if you are vomiting then you should not actively reduce the dose. You should try to continue a constant dose until your vomiting stops. If you are not vomiting then you can reduce the dosage as planned. You have not mentioned why you are on steroids. This information may help me to answer any further questions you may have. I hope this is of help. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (16 hours later)

I am not vomiting so I continue to follow the dosage. I had steroid injection because my PCP temporary stop my arthritis symptom and pain ,I am only having injection twice not any more. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Continue to decrease dose. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for this further information. I would recommend that you continue your decreasing dosage regime that your doctor initially advised. I hope you feel better soon. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar