I was doing great. Down from 20mg to just below 5 mg and feeling like 'me' again. It took 14 months. Then I caught a cold. It knocked me out, turned into a chest infection followed by full blown flare. All the old pains plus some new ones. If I stay on double dose of 10mg for a week can I try going straight back to 5 mg again? I am on double regular dose of antibiotic (Klacid) for a week too. Any guidance/ experiences appreciated. Thanks.
First flare: I was doing great. Down from 20mg to... - PMRGCAuk
First flare
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I think that if you take the original dose for less than 2 weeks, its ok to revert back to 5mg. I’m sure someone else with more experience will either confirm this or tell me I’m wrong! Feel better.
Thanks so much Bronni. That is just what I wanted to know.
I will aim for under 2 weeks on the higher dose.
I guess a few setbacks on the road to recovery are to be expected.
Hope you are doing ok, and thanks for taking the time to help.
I was told by my Rheumatologist that if I got an infection and needed antibiotics to increase my dose (I am on 7.5mg) to 12mg for three days and then take three days to taper back to 7.5.
I hope this is of some help.
Thank you Sho-Sho. I actually had a terrible cold when I last saw my rheumatologist. He didn't make any suggestions and seemed to think me a bit strange for not wanting to shake hands when I felt so germy. Wish now I had upped the Pred asap.
I will follow your advice, thanks. Hope all is going well for you.
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Two weeks is about the limit - but it will only work if the disease activity is still the same. So watch out when you go back to 5mg! And personally - I'd go via 7.5mg for a few days, just in case.