Going away for country break not near hospital. How much pred should I take to ward off GCA in case of symptoms. 2nd time PMR.

[janimaths]

Wish to take some pred with me as a precaution. When I had PMR the first time I took 60 mg with me each time. Wondering if the guideline has changed over the past six years.

[SheffieldJane]

I haven’t seen it laid down anywhere but 60 mgs sounds sensible. I hope you will be totally fine and you enjoy your break.

[janimaths in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks for this.

[Insight329]

I have GCA and I was started on 40mg per day (the minimum recommended for GCA). Depends, too, on how long you’ll be gone and if you did get symptoms, how fast you could get in to see someone. Hopefully, you won’t have to go down that path. Have a great time!

[janimaths in reply to Insight329]

Thanks Insight. I'll have the best time I can. The place has a swimming pool on the premises which will make me happy.

[Insight329 in reply to janimaths]

That would make me happy, too! Putting on that swimming suit maybe not so much, but oh well, it is what it is.

[Hidden]

There are a set of guidelines for dosage in this paper I think.

J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2012; 42:341–9

dx.doi.org/10.4997/JRCPE.20...

© 2012 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

[janimaths in reply to Hidden]

Good paper. Ive scanned it and will print it out to peruse at leisure when away. Many thanks.

[Klah]

Eileen will know the answer. I don’t have GCA, only PMR, but if I were you, I would carry a couple hundred mg around with me at all times!

[janimaths in reply to Klah]

Good thought there. First time I had PMR I went off to all sorts of places with 300 msg tucked underneath my armpit in a bag. Eventually they went out of date stamp so I'm starting again after an interval of 4 years. I now know what I should take if GCA starts up. Feeling much better now for the information and thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are no guidelines as such for a GCA scare - but the usual suggestion from rheumies is 60mg to take before heading rapidly to A&E. Single dose is all you needd to have available - because if your really concerned it might be GCA - you need a doctor as an emergency.

Sorry I'm late - on holiday.