Splitting Prednisolone

[JsyAnne]

Hi

Just wanted some feedback on an idea I had. I am on 15mg for PMR, due back to doctors tomorrow for results of latest blood tests but from the way I'm feeling don't think this will be reduced. The thing is I'm having hot flushes late in the day and evening and wondered if anyone had found that splitting their Prednisolone helped. At the moment I take the 15mg after breakfast.

Just something I was thinking of trying

Any feedback would be appreciated

Anne

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

We do sometime recommend splitting dose, but that’s usually to help if patients are having problems in the morning. So a 2/3rd am -1/3rd pm spilt.

Not sure that in your case it will help, but the only way us to try. I never had hot flushes, but I’m sure there will be someone who did, and can advise.

Are you having any other problems?

[Hidden]

Hi jsyAnne, how long have you been on pred? I had hot flushes from both pmr and pred. How is the pain etc? It's more usually to split the dose after being treated for a while. Some people find taking their pred at 2am means the pain and stiffness is controlled on waking and even though you may have flushes you may be able to manoeuvre them by adjusting to 2am dosing. Some find splitting the dose as Dorset lady states.

[SnazzyD]

Are you sure the hot flushes are symptom breakthrough and not Pred or withdrawal related?

[JsyAnne]

Hi. Quite frankly I have no idea what the problem is. I'm just looking for a possible way to reduce the hot flushes as they're really making me miserable.

Anne

[piglette]

I had hot flushes at 15mg it was horrible. It got much better fairly quickly as I reduced below that.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I fear that hot flushes are not only a part of PMR/GCA but also often an adverse effect of pred. Or both.

But are you saying you also have other PMR symptoms? Did you start at 15mg or more?

[Lochy]

I’ve split my dose for past two years. Diagnosed March 2016 started on 15mg. Had terrible hot flushes at higher doses but couldn’t last through the night without pain hence decision to split my dose. I take 3.5 mg at bedtime and balance in the morning. Has definitely improved my pain overnight. Doesn’t help the visits to the loo though!!

I’m struggling with a flare recently and have increased from 8 back to 9.5/10 which has helped and I don’t get the flushes like I used to when on lower doses.

Hope you get some relief soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lochy]

Flushes at lower doses are a sure sign I'm on too little to really manage the inflammation.