COPD & Emphysema Support Group

Not from Prednisone, although it can cause very dry, itchy skin that bruises easily. I would suspect it was from your IV antibiotics instead. Have you discussed this with your doctor? You might try taking some Benedryl to help clear up the allergic response.

I'm so sorry you've been so sick. I hope you feel better very soon.
Hugs, Sue

By no means am I anything close to an expert on Prednisone, however, I have read the side effects and hundreds of reviews from those who have had it prescribed to them and my concensus is...it scares the living crap out of me and I personally wouldn't touch it with someone elses 10'pole, but, thats just me, I think Prednisone is aiken to using dynamite to fill in a hole.

Nor am I an expert, it is dangerout but it does safe lives. I've been on small doses for a about a year, not rashes here. I does upset my stomach and my whole disgestive system if I have to go over 10mg. My doctor told me that between 0-10 mgs were fairly safe dosages. This is just my experience.

I have been on prednisone now and then past couple of years and have never had any rashes or itching.
Hope you get to the bottom of it and get some relief soon.

Get well soon.
Leenabean

Katie,

I have been where you are...for the same thing. My hospital stay was 17 days and also was given Prednisone intravenously. I did not have a rash as you described, however, did have prednisone induced diabetes It would seem to me that you would have reacted to it much sooner, and when you were on the higher dosem although prehaps its a cumulative reaction. If it happened after you got home, is there something new in the house that you might be having an allergic reaction to? Were you given any other drugs that you started when you got home?

Like Sue, I agree that you need to talk to your doctor.

So sorry to hear you have been so sick. I know it really is the pits.
Hope you are better soon.

Joni

P.S. I don't like Prednisone either, however, it has quite literally saved my life a couple of times, so guess, in some ways, I am thankful its around!

Something to consider:

Herbal Alternatives to Prednisone
Contributor
By R. Reichert



Prednisone is often prescribed to treat people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asthmatic conditions, and is a steroid that offers fast and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Prednisone is sometimes prescribed for painful conditions associated with the onset of cancer, as well. The steroid is associated with a number of harmful side effects, however, and some people would prefer using an herbal alternative to avoid the potential side effects associated with steroid use. Scientists are now beginning to reveal highly effective herbal alternatives to prednisone use.



Prednisone Use and Side Effects
Prednisone is a steroid with the ability to stop inflammation from occurring; this medication can be prescribed for the treatment of extreme allergies, skin disorders and rashes, ulcerative colitis, and breathing difficulties. The steroid is indeed powerful as an anti-inflammatory, but the numerous side effects make it a medication that is not good for long term uses. Prednisone can diminish immunological functioning, and the complete course of the medication must be taken exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

If you use prednisone for an extensive period of time, you may suffer from a thinning of the skin, the accumulation of body fat in the waist, back, neck, and facial areas, sexual dysfunctions, and you may bruise with ease. If you are a woman, you may also face potential problems with menstruation when taking prednisone for long periods of time. Prednisone use is sometimes associated with insomnia, altered moods, the development of unwanted acne, the presence of dry skin, skin discoloring, slower healing of wounds, profuse sweating, vertigo, headaches, abdominal pain and nausea, and/or bloating. Finally, the extended use of prednisone is sometimes associated with severe depression, changes in personality, hypertension, and fluid retention.

Lig-Zhi, Ku-Shen, and Gan-Cao Herbal Combo
Recent testing conducted at the Weifan Asthma Hospital located in China, as well as studies conducted in New York at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, have unveiled Chinese herbs that can be utilized as an alternative to prednisone and other steroid medications. Researchers combined three distinct herbal extracts of Chinese origin identified as Lig-Zhi, Ku-Shen and Gan-Cao, which can be combined to offer the same positive effects of prednisone without the same negative side effects associated with steroid use. Patients were given 20 grams of Ling-Zhi, 3 grams of Gan-Cao, and 9 grams of Ku-Shen per day, which offered improved lung functioning in asthmatics without any side effects. Once the asthmatic condition passes, you can cease using the combination of non-steroidal herbs. These herbs can be purchased online or at a health store specializing in the sale of herbs.

Dong Quai
Dong Quai is an excellent alternative to prednisone being prescribed for pain control. Dong Quai offers natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as immunological boosting attributes. This herb also offers antispasmodic properties, and can be used for the treatment of pain in the abdominal region, arthritic conditions and for the treatment of headaches. Dong Quai can be safely consumed on a daily basis: the herb can be consumed at a dosage of two to four 530 mg capsules every day. Capsules should be consumed with a meal for ease of digestion, and pregnant and/or breast-feeding women should refrain from using the product. Dong Quai is sold in some drug stores, in health stores, and it is available online.

Katie, I suspect that you had a really bad reaction to the antibiotics. I have had that same reaction in the past and had to have a shot of benedryl to counteract the rash. The fact that you were not on the IV at the time the rash erupted does not mean that the antibiotics had cleared the body.

Be sure and remember the name of the antibiotic and note it in your records and discuss this with your doctor the next visit.

Antibiotic reactions can be a life threatning event given the right set of circumstances and on the right patient.

I hope you are feeling better now.

Hi Katie

I agree with Sue and Pearl that it was probably a reaction to the antibiotics and not the Pred. A rash is the most common side affect of most antibiotics. I would find out from your doc which ones you were on and be leery of taking them in the future.

I just came off a Pred Blast and had every side effect except for a rash. I feel better now than I have in 6 months and am grateful I was taking Pred. Hope you feel better soon.
Laurie

I can't help but wonder what antibiotic you were on. I was on Levaquin IV when I was in the hospital too and I sure did break out in a reddish itchy rash. They switched antibiotics quickly. I was also on prednisone IV too but it was not the prednisone in my case.

Linda

Dont you gain a lot of weight on predisone? Ive heard that you do.Im sorry about you getting that rash. They hurt and itch bad!