PMR and Steroid Perscription

[Estellemac]

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Can only a Rheumatologist prescribe doses of more than 20mg Prednisone? Or could this be how this GP works? This is a just general enquiry.

[SheffieldJane]

No and not in practice either or I would be languishing untreated right now. I expect it’s the fact that GCA is regarded as a job for the Rheumatologist and PMR for the GP. They need to be flexible now surely.

[Estellemac in reply to SheffieldJane]

That what I was thinking thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No.

My GP prescribed my doses from 60mg down - initial dose of 80mg was prescribed by hospital Ophthamologist - on initial diagnosis -

Rheumatologist never got involved!

[SanG55]

My GP prescribes 40mg, haven't seen a Rheumatologist as yet - first available appointment is October!

[shazstep]

Maybe it is the dose. In Australia preds come in 25, 5, 1 and any doctor can prescribe any dosage

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is that tablets of 20mg and above? Or total doses of over 20mg?

If the former, then they are a lot more expensive per unit and it is probably a fight about who carries the cost for the sake of the GP budget. It shouldn't be the case for the latter although obviously it is 4x the cost of a 5mg dose ...

[Topcar]

My GP prescribes my 60mg dose (12x5mg daily) as I didn't get my rheumatology appointment until next week, she's been managing my GCA since Easter.

[piglette]

Who told you this? It sounds like false news to me. There are around 200 symptoms aside from PMR/GCA for which steroids are prescribed, so it would be a bit of a nightmare if it were true.

[Estellemac in reply to piglette]

Someone asked me about their friend. Newly diagnosed with PMR still going through the process of getting the right dose to knock it on the head.

[Hidden]

I live in the UK and my GP increased my Pred from 60mg to 80 mg when I had a FLARE years ago... when I met my Rheumy and we discussed, she was fine with that decision.