MS and prednisone

A prescription came to the pharmacy for prednisone 1250 mg for 5 days. It was being used for a patient with MS flare. MS is an inflammatory disease of the CNS. For patients experiencing a relapse or flare, it is fairly common to get IV methylprednisolone. Recently, high dose oral steroids have been used instead of IV therapy to help patients with convenience. There is not a lot of evidence supporting this, but a few studies have been done to justify the safety and efficacy of this method. Side effects are a concern, but the course is typically only 3-5 days and often a taper is not done. Some side effects include weight gain, insomnia, fluid retention, altered mood, and upset stomach. Long-term side effects should be monitored, but rare with short-term therapy.

Medscape: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/527706_7
http://dpic.org/article/professional/high-dose-oral-corticosteroids-relapses-multiple-sclerosis