The list of side effects from Prednisone are never ending (literally!). It's not a great drug to be on if you don't have to be. Are you on any other medication? Plaquenil and Methotrexate and any other DMARD are said to be 'prednisone sparing drugs'. The aim is to get off it ASAP. What dose are you on? And do you have a plan for tapering?

I use Prednisone just when I'm flaring for short (2-3 week) bursts but since being on Plaquenil, I've needed it far less.

Good luck.

yea its great for short term use but try to get off of it asap! ive gained 15 pounds so far from being on it but i need to be on it for the moment :(

I am already on plaquinil. Like I said this was just added last wk for the rashes/hives that doc is attributing to lupus. I am only on 2.5mg. Doc says it shouldnt make me hungrier like higher doses do. Today is actually the first day with no headache...so far.

2.5mg is a really really low dose. Anything below 7mg shouldn't give you any side effects. Maybe your symptoms are related to the Lupus itself rather than the Prednisone.

Wow I am on predisone for 10 years now. I have side effects but I dont care. I can move. Through the years you will learn what helps and what doesnt. Dont be shy to ask questions. Search the internet and supports groups and friends and family and chat rooms.
I dont care how fat i get, i can walk.
I am starting ORENCIA next week. I am scared but i need a change. That is the hardest part--change---
Our lives change, just gotta keep moving forward somehow. Good luck and dont be a stranger. Keep in touch

Thank u. Since I was just officially diagnosed last week, its been a whirlwind of emotions on top of not feeling well. I appreciate all advice!

I have been diagnosed with lupus now for a couple of years. Just recently had a flare up and the lupus has moved from my kidneys to my brain. So I completely understand the emotions that you are going through. It has taken me a really long time to come with terms that I have a disease. The sooner you come with the terms that you have a disease, the better. Trust me!

Prednisone is the devil. It is extremely amazing drug in terms of the helping qualit, but it is so evil in terms of emotions and what it does to you. You shouldn't experiennce any of since you are on such a low dose. I'm on 20 mg and I eat like I'm pregnant!!

I just wanted to share that I too have just been diagnosed recently and it is really hard to figure out which meds are doing what, and which symptoms are just caused by the Lupus.

Since it's all so new to me, too, and you are seeking advice, I guess I shouldn't have replied! I don't really have any advice...just know that you are not alone! Thanks for posting, though, because the replies will help others like me too! =)
Jill

well, the headaches seem to be subsiding:)