Question:

Can taking prednisone 10 mg 3x per day for a week elevate your triglyceride level to 443?

Answer:

Yes. Taking prednisone can raise serum triglycerides to this level. Even without prednisone, about one-fifth of the adult population lives with serum triglyceride levels between 250 and 500 mg/dL already. Prednisone can stimulate the appetite, and foods chosen can also raise serum triglycerides.

There are many reasons prednisone can be prescribed; some of the diseases for which prednisone might be prescribed can elevate serum triglycerides. Some of the other medications prescribed with prednisone can also raise serum triglycerides. It would be a good idea to discuss this level, as well as the cholesterol levels, with your doctor.

It is always a good idea to taper and stop steroids like prednisone when these medications are no longer needed, and, when they are needed, to be on as low a dose as necessary. If prednisone is still needed, you and your doctor will want to talk about the risks posed by this triglyceride level, compared to the benefits of continuing the prednisone. Perhaps improvements in your diet can reduce this number while you stay on prednisone. Perhaps your doctor will want to use another medicine to control your serum triglycerides while you stay on the prednisone.

Really, your doctor might say this is nothing to worry about, depending on your age and health and the other blood test results. 

For more information:

Go to the Pharmacy and Medications health topic.