Im really anxious - Weaning off Prednisone with hydrocortisone??

[Sbear16]

Hi All -

I have been on dexamethsone since early March. I titrated up to 4mg (equivalent of 27mg of pred) and stayed there for 3.5 weeks and have been weaning since late April. I know this isn't the first choice steroid but dealing with multiple autoimmune issues.

The dr switched me from dexamethasone 5 days ago to Prednisone due to its shorter half life. I am now on 12mg of prednisone and they are talking about another switch to hydrocortisone (he says more room to play with dosing and to kick start the adrenals).

I don't see anywhere online or elsewhere that this is common practice. Has anyone else tapered off prednisone with hydrocortisone? If so, at what mg/dose did you make the switch over?

Appreciate any and all thoughts!!! I am really anxious ab all of this (esp fearful of the adrenal suppression)

 

[Niks]

I am really sorry that you are going through this! It does seem confusing, my daughter only has experience of Prednisone, so I am unsure. I hope there's someone out there who can advise you.

Have you asked your Doctor why he's switching and changing? Are the steroids helping?

Good luck! x

 

[Jennifer]

I've never switched to that no. What I do know however is that Prednisone comes in 5mg (which can be broken in half) and 1mg tablets. So there's plenty of room to play with the dosing in my opinion (not that I like that sound of "playing" with the doses when it come to steroids, its risky business). Keep us posted.

 

[Sbear16]

Thank you both so much for responding. Hydrocortisone, evidently, has a much shorter half life so it stays in the body for less time thereby allowing the adrenals to kick back in. For now I've decided to stay on the prednisone and may switch over as I get lower. I'm really anxious about the taper in general. Plus my face is enormous. Just ready to come off this drug!

Thanks again for the support!:ghug: