inflammation at 3:am or so

[Linny3]

Hi Everyone

If the inflammation tends to begin around 3:30am, then how does it help to take pred. at around that time? Isn't it needed earlier to start working. Am I missing something?

Thanks

Make it a great pmr day

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Just got the times wrong: the inflammatory substances are shed about 4-4.30am, not 3.30 and the recommended time to take pred is about 2am as it takes about 1 to 2 hours to be absorbed and achieve the peak level in the blood.

[Linny3 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for clearing that up. The Rayos instructions are to take it the evening before. Not sure how that works. However, it does work.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linny3]

Rayos is a different thing altogether. It was developed as the result of the study that established the times I gave you above. The outside yellow coating (the pred in the middle is red) is designed so that when you take the tablets within 3 hours of a meal or with a substantial snack the right conditions are created so that it breaks apart after 4 hours, at 2am. So it is like taking your pred at 2am - but without having to wake up to do so!

[PMRCanada in reply to PMRpro]

I want Rayos!!! ☹️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRCanada]

You will have to move I fear - or take out a mortgage!

[Linny3 in reply to PMRpro]

I am really lucky and got it approved thru my insurance so I pay very little for it, comparatively speaking.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Linny3]

In the USA the cost is astronomical! It isn't available in Canada and in Europe it is about 25 euros per 30 tablets - so a month's supply can be up to 100 euros depending on how many tablets you need to make up your dose. Mine is also covered by the healthcare system although I do pay a small co-pay. It would not be available if I were in the UK - I would have to pay for it myself on a private prescription if I wanted it.

[Hidden in reply to PMRCanada]

me too!!!

[Rugger in reply to Hidden]

I take what I consider to be the next best thing (on prescription in UK) - gastro-coated pred tablets. I take them at bedtime and hope that the pred will be released in the early hours to try and mimic Rayos, even though I know it's not the same mode of action.

I can't remember if I've read that they're not recommended for GCA - I have PMR. Our experts may confirm or deny this.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

Only in that the release is slower and probably doesn't reach as high as a peak as from the plain stuff but is there for a much longer time - so as long as it is enough it will have a more stable effect (if you see what I mean) but you might need a bit higher dose to get the inflammation under control at first.