Update on previous post re: Difficulty Tapering

[PatB1948]

Further to my post a few days ago, I followed PMRpro's advice and increased Pred to 15mg. I did this for 3 days and still had the shoulder/hip pain and fatigue. I think I am having a flare so yesterday, I took 17.5mg Pred which seemed to alleviate the pain. This morning I have had 16mg but still have shoulder pain albeit not so severe. What I wanted to ask is, if I take 17.5mg for another few days, can I go straight back to 11/12mg or shall I have to reduce more slowly. Advice appreciated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It's no different - as long as it is only a total of a week to 10 days it is fine, whatever the dose. Just be aware that if you ARE having a flare, you might need more than 11/12mg ongoing.

[PatB1948 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, PMRpro for your prompt reply. I shall take another 1mg today (I can't take 1.5mg as my tablets are enteric coated) and then continue on 17.5mg for another couple of days then drop to 12.5mg and see how that goes.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you take a higher doses for a week or less you should be able to drop back down to previous dose easily.

However if you stay on longer or there is a big difference between the doses - I would perhaps do it in two drops - giving 4-5 days on intermediate dose.

[PatB1948 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, DL, after seeing your advice, perhaps the drop I mentioned in my reply to PMRpro is too much in one go. Maybe it would be better to do it in two goes as you suggest. I am also a bit worried, as on Saturday, my family

(son, d.i.l and two teenage grandsons) are coming up from Hampshire for a few days. I was hoping to feel better by the time they arrive as I know it will be hectic. I will just have to do my best as I am so looking forward to seeing them.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PatB1948]

It's up to you - but when you take a short course of pred it is common to drop by 5mg at a time - 17.5 to 12.5mg would be typical. And just going up for a few days is the same.

[PatB1948 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, PMRpro, I'll see how I feel today after taking in total 17mg.