Quick question about Oral Prednisone

[greg_t]

Two months ago, I broke three ribs and was prescribed a 4mg Oral Prednisone 6-day dose pack.  I later read that Prednisone can cause glaucoma?  Anyway, does this mean that it can cause glaucoma while you're on it ONLY, in that the risk is gone after the 6-day dose?  And, if it does cause increased eye pressure, is that only while you're on the medication, assuming eye pressure will drop to normal after the 6 days?  

Thanks,
Greg

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

A 6 day dose, no problem. A 6 week dose, probably no problem, a 6 month dose 2-3% risk of steroid glaucoma.

JCH III MD

[greg_t]

Thank you doctor.  So, the risk is only while patients take the steroid, and not after the treatment has ended?  

I appreciate your response!

Greg

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

In most cases the glaucoma goes away in several weeks after the prednisone is stopped. We had one patient this year that was on steroid drops where it took almost 4 months to go away. But steroid eye drops or ointments are much more likely to cause steroid glaucoma than steroid injections or steroid pills.

JCH III MD

[greg_t]

Thank you so much doctor, that makes me feel much better.  When I was first prescribed the 6-day dose pack for the rib fractures, I asked my doctor what the side effects were, to which she replied "it's the same as Advil."  I have no idea why she told me that.  When I looked up the side effects, I freaked out.  Had I known, I would have asked for an alternative anti-inflammitory medication.  

Greg

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

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