General
The new protocol of using prednisone after a kidney transplant, did anyone hear about it?
June 19, 2025
in General
My kidney doctor told me the prednisone can be gradually take off after 6 months of kidney transplant. Did anyone had this experience?
I became pre-diabetes last year after 24 yrs of a kidney transplant (cadaver). My kidney doctor didn’t want to do anything last year. Yesterday, he told me he is going to take off 5 mg prednisone for me.
I’m very happy about it. But I’m a little worried.
1 - 7 of 7 Replies
Following my liver transplant, I was on Prograf, Myfortic, and Prednisone 60mg. I stayed on the Pred for 6-months or so but at something less than 60 mg. I recall it was 20mg. Then they began to take me off Pred all together, slowly over a multi-month time frame reducing it 5mg at a time.
Then I stayed on Prograf and Myfortic. Eventually I was switched from Prograf to Sirolimus, and also had the Mrfortic dose reduced.
I know kidneys and livers are not the same. Patients are not the same. I just mention some of the above to illustrate that changing meds and reducing doses is not at all uncommon.
Each hospital/program has their own protocols. I don't think it is "uncommon" to take a patient off of Prednisone especially if it is making you pre-diabetic. It may be causing more harm than good!
I'm sure they will monitor you closely for any signs of rejection and deal with anything that pops up.
Be healthy and happy!
As noted above, clinics have their own protocols with some not prescribing it whatsoever. Adjusting your own treatment to best fit your unique needs is always best!
My center is steroid-free, but about five years into my transplant, I had a rejection episode and was put on steroids. I've asked to come off them at every appointment for the past 20 years—no luck, haha. I also have an underlying chronic illness, and the steroids help keep inflammation down.
Whenever there are medication adjustments, I usually ask for increased lab monitoring so I don’t have to stress about any adverse effects. Even when I switched from tacro to Nulojix, I requested labs every two weeks for three months. Probably overkill, but it gave me peace of mind.
Hey I'm on Prednisone to 10 mg better be safe then not care at all I would like to get my labs every just make sure good on everything @Jeanmarie
I'm the same way with asking for more labs for peace of mind. Let insurance pay for it!
SteaveJPearson, mrmmarie, SteaveJPeason, Onlylivingboyinny: thank you for your help. I really appreciate this website where people help each other.
I love that this prednisone topic came up! I had an endocrinolgist appointment 2 weeks ago and she asked me why I am still on prednisone and I had just assumed that it is a must! I'll ask my nephrologist at my upcoming appointment if I can go steroid free as well.