I was recently prescribed Predisone but am really hesitant to take it because of side effects. Today was the first I've heard of Entocort. Does anybody have insight on how the side effects compare. I am most concerned with weight gain and moon face.
Predisone vs Entocort Which has less side effect?
- Thread starter Beach Living
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If Prednisone is taken long term and at higher doses (usually over 30mg) then your body will more than likely retain water, and that's all it is. Prednisone can make some people much more hungry so if you do snack just try to stay away from salty stuff since that will only add on more water weight (and less healthy snacks/food in general can lead to general weight gain). Its not a fun drug but acts quickly (within a few days) so it depends on how bad things are.
Entocort has less side effects but its not impossible to experience some water retention (its far less noticeable and you'd have to be on it for a while as well). The problem with Entocort is that it takes longer to start working (can take up to a month for some people to notice significant change). So if things are really bad, Entocrot might not be the best option as Prednisone is fast acting and you may need that time to avoid further complications. If Entocort doesn't work then you'll likely be put on Prednisone which could mean more time spent on steroids.
What dose did they want you to take and for how long (did they suggest a short course of 10 days or so or did they slap on 50mg and say, "we'll see how it goes")?
You can always suggest Entocrot to your GI yet I'm sure there's a reason why they're going with Prednisone instead (could be because its faster which you may need quick healing or could also be an insurance issue, they may know your insurance wont cover it, Prednisone is much cheaper even with the generic version of Entocort so insurances tend to lean towards what's cheaper).
Entocort has less side effects but its not impossible to experience some water retention (its far less noticeable and you'd have to be on it for a while as well). The problem with Entocort is that it takes longer to start working (can take up to a month for some people to notice significant change). So if things are really bad, Entocrot might not be the best option as Prednisone is fast acting and you may need that time to avoid further complications. If Entocort doesn't work then you'll likely be put on Prednisone which could mean more time spent on steroids.
What dose did they want you to take and for how long (did they suggest a short course of 10 days or so or did they slap on 50mg and say, "we'll see how it goes")?
You can always suggest Entocrot to your GI yet I'm sure there's a reason why they're going with Prednisone instead (could be because its faster which you may need quick healing or could also be an insurance issue, they may know your insurance wont cover it, Prednisone is much cheaper even with the generic version of Entocort so insurances tend to lean towards what's cheaper).
I am pretty sick with a UC flare. I was prescribed 7 days each on 40, 30, 20, & 10. What does a 10 day short coarse consist of?
It means you only take it for 10 days and usually at the same dose (no taper). Dunno how often that's used anymore but I've done it many times on 50mg.
One week of Prednisone will not cause you to retain water, certainly nothing you would notice. Side effects like that happen when you're taking it for months. With a short course like that you may notice some sleeplessness and possibly feeling jittery but I doubt you'll notice anything worse. Taking it in the morning helps as well so you sleep better (if you even have problems sleeping, I never did on short courses).
One week of Prednisone will not cause you to retain water, certainly nothing you would notice. Side effects like that happen when you're taking it for months. With a short course like that you may notice some sleeplessness and possibly feeling jittery but I doubt you'll notice anything worse. Taking it in the morning helps as well so you sleep better (if you even have problems sleeping, I never did on short courses).
I have to take it for 28 total but I am thinking about going rouge and taking less by starting at a lower dose. It is impossible to change a doctors mind. I have never taken it before and want to start at the least aggressive dose.
Sorry about that. 
Still I doubt you'll experience the water retention you're fearing.
Its never impossible to change a doctor's mind. If they didn't even bring up Entocort than you still have time to suggest it. If you do try to do a lower dose be sure to let them know. Self medicating with Prednisone is nothing to fool around with.
Still I doubt you'll experience the water retention you're fearing.Its never impossible to change a doctor's mind. If they didn't even bring up Entocort than you still have time to suggest it. If you do try to do a lower dose be sure to let them know. Self medicating with Prednisone is nothing to fool around with.
Prednisone seems to work faster but not carry the same level of benefit for an increased duration. Entocort has been a mixed bag for me, usually the massively increased level of exhaustion outweighs any benefit I may have been gaining as I was asleep and/or falling asleep when I least expected (at work, driving, etc).
