Does this prednisone dosage sound right?

[fluvial_shell]

This is my fourth time getting a whole-body reaction to poison ivy in 12 months. (Yes, I have sworn to hire someone to do the rest of the yard cleanup for me.) The previous 3 times, I was given cortosteroids (e.g., pred. & dex.) via dosing packs that start you high and taper over a period of 10 or 12 days. Those worked very well, and my sores were generally healing by the next day and fully healed within a week.
This time, I saw a new nurse practitioner (very young, too!), and her prescription was one 10mg prednisone tablet per day for 30 days. The rash this time is on my face and one of my eyelids is nearly swollen shut. After 24 hours, I still itch.
Did she botch my dosage? Why wouldn't I get a dosing pack like the previous times? 10mg just doesn't seem like a lot.

[jmclaughlin07]

no, you're getting a different dose because you're taking it for a longer period of time and not all steroids are safe in higher doses for extended times. i would give it more than 1 day but if there's no difference in 3 or so days call her and request a different pill.

[wizbangs]

If you're not sure, get a second opinion- you could even ask your pharmacist about it.

The one time I took it, it was in a declining pattern like your last time.

Be careful with this stuff. I skipped taking it for 2 days (as an early asthma treatment) and my lungs collapsed. I was rushed to the hospital and got one of those big, steroid shots to be revived. That stuff can kill you.