I had been on prednisone for about 3 weeks before mine as well. I also saw an article listing it as a possible cause but I can't remember where.

I had a few risk factors at that time though, long journey, fall down some stairs and then finding I had factor ll blood disorder so I'm not sure exactly why I clotted.

It will be interesting to see if many other people had been on it just before clotting.

I had been on and off prednisone a number of times the year before my PEs and was actually still taking it while I was in the hospital being treated for my PE.

I'd be curious to see the article you mention. Can you post the link?

I think there are some studies that indicate it could be a rare possible side effect when taking high dosages of prednisone. I suspect it's more related to oral pred mostly and I suspect folks taking oral pred could have additional risk factors from whatever condition is prompting them to take pred.

Of course I'm speculating here and basing that on my gut feeling vs any actual data but I can't help but think clots would be listed as a potential side effect on the drug materials if there was substantial or compelling data to conclude it increases risks of blood clots, similar to how blood clot risks are listed on birth control pills.

Still I'd be curious about the specific study too.

I actually agree really with what rmb said, and it's also more just my gut feeling about the matter than anything. But I would also think that if there were some really well-documented correlation then risk of clotting would be part of the "possible side effects" pamphlet that you get with the medication.

Coincidentally I was given Prednisone for the first time this week, and as I always do with new medicine I really thoroughly looked at all the information and saw nothing mentioning clotting risk, beyond that I know my doctor, and he's is uber careful with me regarding anything which would be a blood clot risk. I've clotted so many times, he keeps me far, far away from anything he thinks might even give any hint of a risk in my direction. I really and truly don't think he's have given it to me if he thought there could be a problem. I would also tend to agree that considering the common reasons why prednisone would be used, those other illness might be the more likely culprits for any apparent connection to blood clotting. Sometimes studies may show an apparent connection to things, but even admit that it doesn't mean that's the real reason. For instance, there are studies that show people with IVC filters are more likely to get repeat DVTs. Well, is that because the filters cause more clots? That doesn't actually seem as likely as the fact that the people who get filters get them for the reason that they're already considered much higher risk for repeated clotting, hence getting the filter put in. So sometimes we have to kind of take certain studies with a grain of salt and look at the bigger picture. I'm not saying I think it's completely impossible it's a piece of the picture, but I doubt it'd be even the main reason.

I always wonder about how much info is shared and where. Web MD has it as a rare side effect, so maybe it doesn't make the pamphlet list? I'm a researcher by profession, so gathering information is at my core, and when something happens to me, I go a bit crazy with it. Especially since I don't have an appointment to see my doctor until Monday morning, so until then, I'm playing out 1,231 scenarios in my brain - and grateful for this group!

Pred has been used since the 50s, and it's a very commonly prescribed drug. I suspect if there was compelling evidence that it caused clots, it would be documented on the packaging.

When you first have a clot, and there's no known reason for why clotted or when you just don't have any information, it's a very natural response to comb through everything to find some sort of reason for it.. something to hold on to. So I get that. I'm just thinking in terms of what makes the most sense, I'd assume since pred is used widespread and so often, if it were really a substantial risk for blood clots, people would be dropping like flies all over the world.

I was thinking too that like it's something commonly prescribed like for lupus, a disease which has an increased risk of clotting. Doctors wouldn't be adding to the risk for that by prescribing a medication which would increase the risk. Doctors try to limit stuff like that not add to it.

So many people go through what you are now searching for a reason. You could make yourself crazy trying to figure it out. Some of us never find a really definite answer even with the help of a doctor or doctors. Hopefully you'll get to an answer you feel comfortable with, but it might be good just to know that you also may not have a definitive answer.

Your post is very interesting. I too was placed on Prednisone. They thought I was dealing with Asthma and bronchitis. I was on it for 2 weeks. A week later I was in the hospital. Where did you read this or hear about it?

I was digging into dozens of articles the past few days, and I can't find the one study. But did see it was listed as a rare side effect on WebMD. If I find it again, I'll be sure and bookmark it.

I have been on long term high doses (for the most part) of prednisone for the past several months. I was dx'ed with a 2 Massive PE's as well as numerous other emboli all throughout my lungs on Feb. 6th of this year. I have done alot of research after my blood testing (hereditary) turned up no clotting issues. The following is just one of the many sites that I have found with a Pred link to possible clotting....

http://allsideeffects.net/prednisone-side-effects/

I was diagnosed with 3 PE on 3/4/13. I was on Prednisone for two months prior to my PE for sinuses. I truly believe prednisone caused by blood clot as I have had no other risk factors.

http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/prednisone/blood+clot+in+the+legs.

http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/prednisone/blood+clot+in+the+legs

I was the same ... scanned thoroughly from tip to toe..... all blood tests negative for hereditary causes... no BCP's ( I'm 51) no recent surgery, long trips... etc... I fit none of the criteria for clot formation other than being on Pred long term and high dosage for my adrenal failure (which was caused by a medical mishap in the first place oy')... this adds insult to injury for me...

I've been on prednisone (between 5 and 10 mgs) on and off (mostly on) for the last 8 years. I got my PE while I was off pred due to a broken ankle and a request from my drs to stop all meds until I'd recovered from surgery. I actually think *stopping* may have contributed to my PE.

Pred acts as an anti-coagulant - it's one of the balancing acts that needed to be done to manage my INR levels when I started taking coumadin. Stopping pred (and also stopping my NSAIDs except for baby aspirin) during recovery may have made my blood more "sticky" and helped set me up for DVT/PE. On the other hand, I had a broken ankle, was 4 weeks post-surgery at the time of my PE and was significantly less mobile - so it's kind of a chicken-and-egg argument.

Two years later - healed ankle, back on pred, but no DVT/PE.

I was actually given prednisone in the hospital when they found my last PE. I see my pulmonologist tomorrow. I will have to ask him.