Tapered too much

[bakingD]

Help think have overdone the tapering have got down to 4mg Pred and am increasingly uncomfortable with pain and stiffness-PMR since May 18-should I go up to 7mg for a couple of days then drop to 5mg-??

Thanks for any advice

[Hidden]

Hi bakingD, I would do that or even do plus5mg for 2 or 3 days then to last dose you felt ok. If that's 5mg then 5mg. You are doing the right thing not suffering for the sake of a few days.

[bakingD in reply to Hidden]

Thanks v much

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Good idea. But maybe in future reduce by only 0.5mg a time and using a slow taper (see below) - if you don’t already. That way you are less likely to go below the level you need.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[bakingD in reply to DorsetLady]

I have been reducing by 0.5mg at a time but think it’s hit me that have reduced too much thanks for your advice

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to bakingD]

Hopefully no great harm done! I always found it harder to reduce at very low doses than much higher ones - not so much spare Pred sloshing around, so the body notices the decreases more acutely.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sounds like a plan. Or. as already said, maybe a couple of days at 10mg before 5mg - if that has worked.

Where were you last good? It doesn't matter how slowly you drop or how small the steps are - you are not going to get past the dose you are looking for: the lowest dose that is enough to manage the symptoms as well as the starting dose did. Just slow and small will probably get you lower than any other way!

[bakingD in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks v much have taken 7mg today and already feel a lot better -prob 7my in the past has been my comfortable dose!

[Telian in reply to bakingD]

You also might need to stay on the doses much longer than you’re used to so don’t feel as if you should rush it. I might be a little extreme as it’s taken me a year to reduce from 5mg to 4mg by 0.5mgs. I’ve always suffered terrible withdrawal symptoms. I’m 5 years GCA/PMR.

We’re all different - get to know your body.

[bakingD in reply to Telian]

Thanks for your advice think am more comfortable again on 7 mg will drop to 6 then try v slowly again -teaches us patience all this!!!

[Telian in reply to bakingD]

.....and if 6mg is too much then go back to 7mg until symptoms have definitely settled, definitely a few weeks where you're not reminded of any symptoms, then .5mg and stay on as long as it takes to settle.

[bakingD in reply to Telian]

Thanks v much will do

[Telian]

Good luck