Tapering

[granofthewest]

I know alot has been asked and answered about tapering and have read very interesting and informative advice on this forum. I'm on 6mg pred now, reduced gradually from 20mg beginning December. No real pain, a few twinges in my back now and just usual pred side effects, night sweats, tingling finger tips and toes, leg cramps, hair thinning - just like many others. I haven't seen or spoken to my GP since January so have been going it alone tapering down 1mg every 3 weeks. Before going down to 5mg I'm considering going on to Dorset Lady's tapering plan. Should I ring to consult with GP first, can I ask to taper down by ...5mg (half mg) instead of 1mg each time and can I ask for prescription of half mg from the pharmacy?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

1mg every 3 weeks is probably a bit on the quick side, especially once you get below 10mg. Recommendation is not to reduce more than 10% of your existing dose, so under 10mg that becomes less than 1mg...some can manage 1mg a time, others cannot.

I would say some of your pain you recount could be too little Pred rather than side effects of it. You are not reducing to zero come what may......you are trying to find the lowest dose than gives you the same relief that the initial 20mg did.

You can’t get 0.5mg tablets so you can either mix and match with 1mg & 2.5mg tablet, or if they are plain white tablets then 1mg can be cut. Get a pill cutter from pharmacy or online - just a couple of pounds in price.

Your GP doesn’t seem to have been concerned if you haven’t spoken since January and is obviously happy to let you carry on your reduction - but it would be polite to tell him what you intend to do.

[granofthewest in reply to DorsetLady]

Thankyou for your advice, have printed off your tapering plan and will ring surgery to try to get a telephone appt with GP. If she concurs will get a pill cutter.