Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by kastababy on August 7, 2010 at 12:32pm

Once upon a time ago I tried that in combination with topical Rogaine (this was when it was only available as a prescription and it cost $75/bottle for a 30-day supply.) The only side effect I had from the prednisone (aside from the treatment not being successful) was that I put on so much fluid that even though I only weighed 120 lbs I I had swollen to the size I am now (in other words, I looked like I weighed 300 lbs.)

If you feel comfortable going ahead with the treatment, then go for it. Only you know what is best for your body!!

Permalink Reply by Joyce Marie Hawes on August 7, 2010 at 1:00pm

Hello. I've heard about this medicine, but I couldn't afford it in the past. But now I have medicare and medicaid the would take care of it. Haven't tried it but willing to. I don't know about the side affects myself. I lost my hair in the year 1975. I was told about vitamin e. Have you tried that? I did once and it came back just a bit that fell out again. I might try taking that again. Let me know what the side affects from Predisone. Thanks,

Permalink Reply by Alexis on August 7, 2010 at 1:26pm

I have, and I was peeing a lot and had stomach aches. I stopped taking it on my own because it just wasnt worth it. I was getting sick and my hair wasnt growing back and I was getting crater-like marks on my face, please reconsider taking prednisone...

Permalink Reply by Jocelyn on August 7, 2010 at 8:37pm

Hey Julie!

I was put on the same thing at 60 mg then gradually reduced. It didn't stop my hair from falling out or make it grow faster. All that happened was I put on 10-15 pounds. I also had back pain and hot flashes. I went off of it as soon as possible. I found as a kid with my first round of alopecia that the shots alone did the trick. I didn't like the pill. But I think you have to go with your gut feeing on it.

Permalink Reply by Julie R on August 8, 2010 at 11:24am

Thanks everyone for your comments. I figured I'd keep updating in case anyone's interested. In all of my searching and posting, I haven't found anyone with good things to say about prednisone. But then again, perhaps if it worked for some people, they wouldn't be going on this site and posting about it?

Anyway, I figured it is worth a try since there aren't many options at this point. In fact, this new doctor I'm seeing said that he would have started me on this treatment sooner and the longer I wait, the less of a chance there is that it will work.

Yesterday, my first day, I took 40mg in the afternoon. I had a banana since it says you should take it with food to avoid stomach upset. In a few hours, I felt pretty energetic but I felt like I was having a hot flash. I ended up going to the gym at 9pm to make use of my energy. I went through my pantry and took out all the snacks, especially the saltier ones. I bought a whole bunch of fruits and vegetables and stocked up my fridge. I'm hoping that if I stick to a very strict diet and exercise regimen, I'll be able to battle the weight gain and fluid retention. Oh, and I'm also drinking lots of water, and got up about 5 times last night to pee.

Permalink Reply by Jocelyn on August 8, 2010 at 7:42pm

Julie - if you loose weight on this you need to fill me in on your plan lol I could use a strict diet regimen :) I think it is great hat you weighed the pros and cons and that you are being very observant of how you feel and any changes you notice. Please keep us posted on how it goes!

Permalink Reply by Dana Kozlowski on August 10, 2010 at 2:35pm

I just finished up my prednisone and I am getting most of my hair back, it is about 1 inch long so far. It did make me feel not so great, but I was desperate. I am happy with the result so far. Side effects aren't the greatest. I did gain some weight, but in the end so far successful.

Permalink Reply by Rita on August 18, 2010 at 12:39pm

i've tried it and it really hasn't worked for me in the long term. it had jump-started my hair growth but after i stopped taking the steriods my hair growth stopped. the 2nd time my hair fell out it worked extremely quickly but this time i wasn't so lucky.. the side effects aren't pleasant.. i gained close to 50lbs in water weight and i've had minor stomach problems since.

Permalink Reply by Julie R on August 18, 2010 at 2:18pm

Hi All,

Just an update. I'm on Day 12 of 40mg oral prednisone. I haven't really noticed any significant re-growth. There may be some fuzziness growing in some areas, but my biggest spot in the back remains smooth and bald as can be. See my profile for pictures.

As far as side effects, the first week, my stomach was queasy and gurgly especially an hour after I'd take my dose in the mornings. I have avoided salt, carbs, and sugar as much as possible. I've been loading up on lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in potassium (e.g. bananas, canteloupe, papaya, orange juice). I've also been drinking lots and lots of water and going to the bathroom frequently as a result. This is all in an effort to fight the bloat/weight gain/fluid retention. I've also exercised almost every day, a mixture of treadmill, elliptical, and yoga. So far, all of this has helped with retaining my weight. My face is puffier some days more than others, depending on how much salt I had. Other side effects. . . I would say I'm pretty energetic. However, the past 2 nights, I've been having trouble getting to bed. I feel a little too wired at night, so I end up doing chores at 2am to keep myself busy.

I'm not really sure how this will go, but I'm trying to finish this 6 week treatment course and hope for the best. My fear is that it won't work at all, and that I'll be on my way to alopecia totalis. The good news is, the more I read stuff from this website, the more comfortable I become with that fear. I'm grateful for the life I have, and if all I lose is hair, I know I'll survive.

~Julie~

Permalink Reply by Cynthia Lee Watkins on August 19, 2010 at 8:42pm

I never had the treatment because I don't like prednisone's side effects. Don't like having AA, either, but I can buy a wig for that, and AA doesn't weaken the bones.