reducing pred

[43086]

I am 75 years old male, my pmr started in april 2014 put on 15 mg pred,and now down to1 mg. Rumey now wants me to take 1mg every other day,has anyone tried this method,or is it better to go to one half every day. I am still stiff and sore somewhat in the am. Any suggestions Thank You

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hmm! Only 15 months, down to 1mg and being advised to just take 1mg every other day. That's a very fast reduction. If it was me, I would really slow the pace a little. Your mention of feeling "still stiff and sore somewhat in the am" could mean that there is still some inflammation lurking. If that is the case, you could risk a relapse very shortly after coming off steroids, and that has recently happened to a member of my support group. How long have you been on 1mg? If it is just a month, then if it was me I would remain there for another couple of months. If your stiffness/soreness improves, then you have a couple of options: you can either try taking half a mg, alternating with 1mg every other day for a while; or sneak in a half mg dose on one day of the first week, two days of the second week, three days of the third week, etc, taking 1mg on the days in between. I do apologise if this comes over as sounding negative, but having come so far it would be a shame for you to rock the boat now.

[daveD]

Hello 112567. I can not see any point in reducing any lower while you are on such small dose,in fact it sounds to me like you should be on a slightly larger dose to ease the aches etc. it seems a shame to blow it so to speak after doing so well. Good Luck. Dave

[pollyg263]

you have done well to get from 20 mg to 1 in twelve month. if I were you I would keep to what you are doing. as it seems to be working for you. it has taken me 3.5 years to get from 20 down to 1mg and I intend to take my time looseing the 1 mg

as its only the minimalistic doas, and wont do any harm taking it for longer perio d

better to be safe than sorry. I drop mine quarter tablet each drop so I will be well into sept before I stop fingers x I will be ok. I did get to 1 mg before and had to go back to 2 but I feel better this time at 1 than last so hopefully I have won the battle. and what a battle its been. unless you have had pmr no one knows the amount of pain it causes

[dillydally1]

yes I reduced from 2.5mg everyday to 2.5mg every other day over a three week period, didn't have too much problem, I felt quite fatigued though. actually don't feel has well off the prednisolone but I'm glad I'm off it. good luck x