TAPER: This DSNS seems so perfect and has been... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,227 members40,248 posts

TAPER

ConventCassie profile image
8 Replies

This DSNS seems so perfect and has been working well, however - I’m anticipating future tapers and I like splitting the dose so it has gotten very complicated! I don’t know if this is possible. I take Prednisone and I’m looking at 1 milligram pills. Could be challenging :)

3.5 = 1 & 1/2 am 2 of 1 mg pm

3 =1.5 & 1.5

2.5 = 1.25 am & pm.

2= 1 am & 1pm

1.5= 1/2 am & 1 pm

1= 1/2 am & 1/2 pm

1/2= 1/4 am & 1/4 pm

Finish ? Every other day?

[1/2 of 1/2 - this too could be interesting]

Written by
ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

This will no doubt be answered by those who've actually done it. But I suspect by the time you're tapering that low PMR is also very quiescent and you don't really need pred for it so much as you need to taper for the sake of the adrenals, and this might mean you'll be able to take a single dose because you won't be getting PMR symptoms, just needing, for a bit longer, a cortisol top up for daily life.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toHeronNS

I thot then adrenals kicked in around 7. Do they take this long to adjust?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toConventCassie

They don't suddenly jump up and do a tango at 7mg no - they have to start slow and build it up. And even after you have got to zero, it is thought it takes up to a year for their function to be really reliable.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toPMRpro

Makes sense. At 4 Mg the anesthetist left it alone so I did too following my hernia surgery last week. During the week I was low energy, but watching Wimbledon so didn’t need much. I was tempted to increase a little bit but held out and my energy level has come back. After lounging during the British Open this week, I should be good to go! However I’ll take your advice and not be in any rush.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Part of the reason for the DSNS was to make reduction at the lower doses smoother - so you can just slow it down even further - make the gap between the new lower dose days longer at the start which gives the body more time to accept the new lower dose.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toPMRpro

I’m so glad you responded. You’re my coach! Do you mean instead of 6 or 7 days old dose 8 or 9; or do you mean wait longer to start any new taper (like 3 weeks instead of 2)? I’m glad you don’t think these small doses are crazy because I’m using the mind set of the 70% rule. (It was 70 right?)

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toConventCassie

You shouldn't reduce more than 10% (ten) of the current dose - not 70% if that is what you mean.

Although marking time at the new dose for a few weeks extra is also a very good idea, no - I mean start by "1 day new dose, 10 days old dose, 1 day new dose, 9 days old dose" rather than 1 day new dose, 6 days old dose etc.

ConventCassie profile image
ConventCassie in reply toPMRpro

Got it. Yes, both work. Yes I did mean 10%, that one, math is not my forte :) Or memory apparently.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

taper

I am currently on 8mg of prednisone a day 4 in the morning and 4 in evening going to taper to 7...
Januzzi profile image

Taper

I take 8mg Prednisone now .. I work night shift so I take 4mg at 4pm with evening meal and 4mg...
Januzzi profile image

Prednisone Taper

Hi! I hope everyone is doing well!I am currently down to 5 mg and am having difficulty tapering...
Joy713 profile image

Anxiety from taper?

I'm slowly coming down from methyl prednisolone and am doing fine pain wise but when I just went...

Worried about a hastened taper ...

Good morning everyone, I’m just checking back in for a bit more advice. After 5 injections of...
LemonZest11 profile image

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.