Steroid

[Vonnie10]

Hi hope your all not suffering, how many steroid jabs per year our we allowed for our RD please? I’m waiting to see my consultant but it’s not until the 28th of September by the way this is suppose to be a urgent appointment... I’ve had three steroid jabs this year as none of the drugs are working I’m very sensitive to the usual run of the mil once, had two lots of biological drugs to, it’s kicking of my stiffness and pain is creeping in just been medically retired as well. That’s a blessing, I just don’t want to end up in a state, thanks

[helixhelix]

The rule of thumb to stay very well within safe limit is no more than equivalent of approx 1mg a day which = 360mg a year = 3 x 120mg injections = 10 week course of 5 mg/day oral steroids. My rheumy huffed and puffed at the thought of more than 3 injections a year. But that's only a guideline, some people have to have more as that's the only thing that works for them. You can but ask.....

[Vonnie10 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks helly pure nightmare it’s like trying to push a snowball,up a mountain. Right now, I’m trying my best to delay having one we’re only in July hate this illness.

[Hidden]

Hello.

I usually have three a year, but did have extra when really bad. Mostly docs don't like to give more than three though

[Vonnie10 in reply to Hidden]

I did think it was three I will be needing one soon trying to hold back tho it’s all big huge pain literally .

[Hidden in reply to Vonnie10]

I'll be having another on Monday...I hope!

[medway-lady]

Three here, but one was a double dose as was really bad and just before I went on holiday.

[Vonnie10 in reply to medway-lady]

Helix as had more than three this gives me hope thanks

[Ruth12345]

Ive had 2 injections and had 3 x6 weeks starting at 15mgs a day courses and im now on 5mg daily as maintenance for 3 months orally. All this year so far. I had injections and higher doses starting at 30mg last year, no maintenance then tho. Thats not good is it!!! I knew steroids were not good long term but didnt realise the annual prefered limit. Im hoping im in remission now, but not pain or tiredness free.

Thanks Vonnie for the question, very informative.

Hope you improve soon. ☺

[helixhelix in reply to Ruth12345]

I think that's the bottom limit, i.e. the supersafe level. Some people can't manage without it and end up having to have 5mg a day for long periods/forever. When I was v hesitant about changing to biologics my rheumy said she would be prepared to suggest 2mg/day steroids instead but no more.

[Ruth12345 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you. Im not sure if the meds im on is normal or high. I know you cant give medical advice but you do seem very knowledgeable and I learn a lot from your, and others, contribution on here. Would you consider giving me your opinion if I messaged you personally?

[helixhelix in reply to Ruth12345]

As you say, I'm not a doctor so it's really best to ask your doctor that question but of course you can message if you want to. In my experience of reading posts here for about 8 years some people do seem to have to take large amounts of drugs to cope. So several RA drugs (DMARDs), anti-inflammatorys, different types of pain relief, things for side effects like stomach protectors, blood pressure pills and cholesterol controls. So 10 or so different drugs a day doesn't seem to be uncommon.

[Ruth12345]

Thank you

[helenlw7]

I think it’s three a year in any one joint. I’m on 7.5mg daily because my body no longer produces its own steroid.

[juneann]

Hi Vonnie, Depo-Medrone 40mg/1ml suspension for injection can be injected by a medical professional every three months which is intramuscular, I've had 2 joint injections so far this year, I've had steroid at the start of my Rituxinab infusions twice this year and I am presently weaning off a months coursee of Pred. Good results over past years, not really noticing much this year.

[Vonnie10 in reply to juneann]

June I asked for steroid in tablet form. Ruse said no I’m to young they want me on Something else what I don’t know because everything give me reaction a big huge let down for me upto now, hopefully I will get sorted.

[Vonnie10]

Thanks people. Just left a message I need ajab ASAP I’m in so much discomfort today .

[Cheylann]

So far I have had 1 every 3 months since last year July. Starting MTX injections next month so hopefully won't need as many.

[Vonnie10 in reply to Cheylann]

Great for you I hope it all works well for you.

[Rahelp]

Hi i have had several so far this yearand many in the past. I have never been told that i wad having too many.

[Vonnie10 in reply to Rahelp]

Thanks 🙏

[oKerrio]

My Rheumy gives a max of 4 per year. The way they see it is one every 3 months by the time the first one is wearing off you can have the second and so forth. Although I bet to differ it lasts 6 weeks tops for me rather then 12 weeks.

[Vonnie10 in reply to oKerrio]

Hi I’m the same 6 weeks then I’m struggling I have a appointment on Wednesday hopefully I get one can’t go on any longer by next week I will be really struggling driving is even difficult such a horrible disease people don’t really get how bad it gets. Hope your not suffering to much .

[oKerrio in reply to Vonnie10]

Thanks you too.