Depo Medrol shot for Flare

[Marie1479]

Hi everyone,

I am on Actemra for PMR. I am also currently on 4mg of Rayos (time released Prednisone). I recently had a flare because I reduced too quickly. Completely my fault as I was feeling so great. The drop to 3mg was too fast and against Dr orders (and the Aunties). The next morning I could feel the pain returned. I got scared immediately went back up to 4mg but couldn’t get ahead of it. This flare was different from the rest. I was inflamed in the usual areas but also in fingers and knees and that HORRIBLE nausea and flu feeling came back as well. Thankfully I was able to see my Rheumatologist immediately instead of raising My dosage myself. Instead of raising my steroid dosage my dr gave me a Depo Medrol shot. I was brand new in 2 days. She wants me to stay at 4mg for 2 months. Lesson learned 😞

[suzy1959]

The lovely Dr. Hughes gives me vials of Depo Medrol so that my local practice nurse can inject me when having a flare and this means I don't have to change my oral dose. It is so much easier to manage!

[Marie1479 in reply to suzy1959]

So here is my question, why would one increase steroids vs getting a Depo Medrol shot? I feel so good almost afraid to ask if there is a downside...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Marie1479]

Don't know what depot-Medrol is like. I have had 2 high dose infusions of Medrol which did what they were meant to but I was also on oral Medrol and it has been the only form of corticosteroid that has caused me side effects: massive weight gain and Cushing's syndrome, a beard, brillopad hair etc etc. Which would have been more acceptable had it actually dealt with the symptoms but it didn't!!!! 20mg barely touched the pain and stiffness and took much of the day to have an effect. At least you can stop tablets quickly and switch to something else!

[Marie1479 in reply to PMRpro]

Dr Gave me 80mg injection in my butt. No beard yet... 😵