Tapering again, sorry I'm new to this

[Robert09]

I was diagnosed with GCA June 2017 started on 60mg pred, I experienced several of the usual side effects

In July 2018 I was tapering ( example 10mg/7.5mg 3 weeks alternate days then 7 mg for 3 weeks). However when I started 7mg I had a violent headache, same as when diagnosed GCA. I increased my pred to 12 mg.

I want to decrease now using DSNS monthly plan believing from what I have read on HU this is the better way to taper. Using PMRpro guide. Others experience would be welcome.

My question is when reducing the dose should it be by 1 mg ?

Pam

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I had GCA as well, and once got to about same level as you used my own taper, not dissimilar to DSNS.

I reduced by 1mg between 10mg and 7mg, but below that only 0.5mg a time.

My taper took about 5 weeks, and provided I felt okay with no return of symptoms, I just went straight into the next one.

If I had any problem, not necessarily GCA, I just stayed on each dose a little longer.

Once you get below 7mg your adrenal glands need to start working again, and sometimes they are a bit sluggish, so the slower the taper the better for that. Plus the dose is not producing any side effects, so no need to rush.

[Robert09 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for this, when you say it took about 5 weeks you mean between each lower dose?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Robert09]

Yes from old dose to being on new - see attached

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[christine2715]

I have managed to taper by the following method - say 6 to 5. 6,6,5 for two weeks, 6,5,6,5, for two weeks, 5,5, 6 for two weeks then just 5 on its own. I am now on 3 1/2 mg and I am doing the same thing but in half mg increments.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Once you get to 10mg - YES! And as you get lower - maybe even 1/2mg at a time.

You have obviously seen my way - just ask if you don't "get" anything.

[Robert09 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you I may be back, fingers crossed.

[ShirleyAb]

I cut up 1mg. Pills into little bits (either with a pill cutter or a knife) and have them in a little pot so that I can reduce the dosage by a quarter of a mg. usually each week. It is quite fun selecting the bits, and so far have been fine. When I reduced by 1 mg. usually each month I felt bad for a few days. Best wishes for your progress.

[Robert09]

Thank you good luck.