How strong is a Depo Medrone injection does anybody know?

[tangocharlie]

In March I had my first long-lasting Depo Medrone steroid injection (standard dose 40mg per mil x 3 = 120). It worked very well and wore off after about 3 months. Rheumatologist said it was the equivalent of about 4 mg Pred per day and would last 6 months. I just had another injection two weeks ago and the Rheumatology Nurse said it is the equivalent of 1mg Pred per day and lasts about 2-3 months. Any experts out there know which is right? It doesn't have the weight -gain effects of oral Pred but it does make me feel hungry all the time and affects my sleep. But I have to weigh that up against the amazing effect of having so much more energy, especially in my legs, and also the brain fog and fatigue and even the swollen ankles clear up with the injections. You can only have about 3 per year so I don't know what'll happen in the Autumn.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If these are deep muscle steroid shots the 3x per year doesn't apply as far as I know. Intraarticular steroid shots are different (into the joint) and are restricted to 3 per year to reduce the damage to structures around the joint.

You can't really say they are equivalent to anything oral - as I understand it they reduce the dose released over time, a sort of automatic taper. You might find this chap's posts interesting:

healthunlocked.com/user/adm...

This is the start of his story:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

From what I have read/heard about the use of depotmedrol i.m. for PMR/GCA I think I might believe the rheumy over the nurse but I think even he was being rather optimistic at 6 months. I hope she gave you the right injection!

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks again PMRPro. It was the intra-muscular one into my thigh. It does work miracles but the side effects of increased appetite and decreased sleep are frustrating. Had a quick look at Admiral06's post but they're a bit technical for me to understand.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tangocharlie]

Usually in the bum - which makes it hard to do yourself!!! But a generous thigh will do.

Try cuttings carbs - should reduce the hunger pangs so you can manage to reduce the snacking but with low carb you can snack on non-carb goodies.

[tangocharlie in reply to PMRpro]

Ido vry low carb, virtually keto, but still I get hunger pangs. A bit of bouillion helps, or some fats eg MCT oil, cream