Severe Reaction to Prednisone...what do people do?

raisingdayne
raisingdayne Member Posts: 2 *
edited September 2022 in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

My father was recently diagnosed with NHL DLBCL and is scheduled to start RCHOP. They have dosed him at 50mg (reducing from 100 mg) of Prednisone. They reduced due to side effects of Prednisone from previous use a few years back. We have a follow up appointment today to talk to doc regarding the 50 mg dosage. He experienced 220/200 Blood Pressure, numbness in jaw and arm and extreme tachycardia on 20 mg/twice daily with a few years back. We are extremely concerned about a cardiac event at 50 mg. Oncologist hasn't effectively addressed it yet, maybe today she will. He can not be the ONLY person who has such an extreme reaction to prednisone. Any one out there have experience with this that could be helpful.

Comments

  • PBL
    PBL Member Posts: 366 Member
    #2

    Hello raisingdayne, and sorry for your concern.

    Prednisone is part and parcel of R-CHOP (="P"), and I suspect the hematologist may be reluctant to exclude it altogether, thus the lower dose.

    With such high blood pressure, I imagine your father is also being followed by a cardiologist. If not, has he been referred to one? Now may be the time to ask his GP and/or hematologist about it, so that they have a management plan in case he experiences the same kind of reaction again.

    I hope this helps.

    PBL

  • raisingdayne
    raisingdayne Member Posts: 2 *
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1700025#Comment_1700025

    Thank you PBL for your response and concern. He does not have high blood pressure issues in general. Only in response to the 20mg./2x daily prednisone he was prescribed a few years back for a unrelated issue. Im curious what people do who are allergic to prednisone, but who still need the RCHOP treatment. Maybe someone's experienced success with a different type of steroid? Or perhaps have found ways/medicine to counteract/lessen the negative response. I do understand the need for the prednisone. But I know the medical literature doesn't really address any dosage below 50 mg in the United States. Just thought maybe someone else, like my dad, isn't text book...and can share.

    with love and appreciation, RD

  • po18guy
    po18guy Member Posts: 1,507 Member
    #4

    Prednisone is but one variety of corticosteroids. He may not react to some of the others, and that might be a good subject to broach with doctor. Dexamethasone and hydrocortisone come immediately to mind, and may not be appropriate - or the best choice - but the cancer journey is often a series of plan Bs when plan A falls through. As well, doses of Benadryl to pre-condition him might be a possibility - but doctor will make that call.

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