Low Dose Steriod For Fibro? - Fibromyalgia Message Board

builder · 02-17-2007, 04:35 AM

I read an article where someone with severe Fibro was treated with a low dose of Prednisone 5mg. I know this type of steriod is more of an anti inflammatory than the kind that builds muscle. I was wondering if anyone heard of this or their doctors tried this treatment with them.

Glojer · 02-17-2007, 10:11 AM

Hi rstarre, yes I take low dose prednisone. I actually started with 5mgs day and then went to 4mgs. I now take 3mgs. but have to move it up once in a while. I was prescribed the prednisone by my rhuemy who prescribed it as an anti inflammatory for my joints. Some people cannot take prednisone but it worked very well for me for over a year and I really didn't have any immediate side effects. It is such a low dose the docs say it should not be a problem, I am not sure if I agree with that since prednisone is such a serious drug but none the less it does help. I have had a bone density done and have not had any osteoporosis issues. Prednisone did help my fibro along with my joint pain at first but like so many things I take it lost its effectiveness (must be something weird about my body). I am now trying cytomel which is a T3 thyroid hormone (I have a thread Fibro..Thyroid....T3) there are a lot of good posts about that. Elmhar is especially helpful with thyroid and T3 info. I just started it so won't know how it helps with the fatigue of fibro. I am also taking a new drug for me called diclofenac for the joint pain along with the prednisone and so far it is working and seems to help some of the fibro issues I have. It is an NSAID that is time released and needs a prescription.

Prednisone is a personal choice, I have so much joint pain that the choice was clear for me. I also did not gain weight on it like some, I actually lost weight I believe because I felt better and was able to exercise. Do your research first and think about how your body reacts to different meds and see if you think the side effects would or would not bother you. It is a very low dose, but still a risk that is why I lower the dose as far down as I can and still feel some effectiveness.

elmhar · 02-17-2007, 12:26 PM

Hi Rstarre,

I agree with Glojer, that you should gather info on this treatment before undertaking. Pred will not build muscle; in fact it can cause some wasting if overdone. There are other, more serious side effects from taking pred long-term that you should go over with your HCP.

Pred is a serious anti-inflam, and it is often used very successfully in the short term. Dicier in the long term.

If it's muscle rebuilding you're after, have you had your testosterone level checked? It's often low in fibro ... diff reference ranges for male & female, of course. But Mr. T. is critical for rebuilding & repairning damaged muscle.

I've met one person who uses pred for fibro flares. But docs are loathe to RX it, and would prefer, if possible to recommend NSAIDs for inflammation.

goldenwings · 02-17-2007, 12:37 PM

Hello there,

I am only speaking as a patient who takes steroids, not in a medical capacity in any way. I have been taking this medication daily for over 30 yers and I agree with what has been said already. Also, as you stated, the type used in medical intervention of illness are not the same as used in sports i.e anabolic steroids. These do increase muscle mass along with other horrid side effects for some users.

Steroids are not "normally" a drug used in the help and treatment of fibro on its own. If you have arthritis or an underlying rheumatic type illness, or even something like severe asthma alongside your fibro, then they "may" be added to your medications for a short spell.

Prednisolone/prednisone is the most commonly prescribed steroid tablet for people with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Some steroids, such as the hormone cortisol, occur naturally in the human body. Other steroids can help with several different types of rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They are very effective against swelling and inflammation. However, they only suppress the disease and do not cure it.

From this brief description of what they are and what they are used for things might be a bit clearer for you. I hope so.

Take care

goldenwings

builder · 02-17-2007, 07:30 PM

GOJER did you gain any weight from the Prednisone or were you hungry all the time? I did try it for a short time. What it did for my Fibro was eliminated the hitting the wall tiredness, complete exhaustion feeling I would get when I had to do anything physical. I also tried Cytomel. I felt great for a few weeks and then that wore off. I am on 100mcg of Synthroid for an underactive thryroid. I was hoping that thyroid was the problem but I still hurt and ache everyday. One doc says I have fibro another says no. I just believe I have it just by reading everyone elses symptoms on this site.