Anybody else using paracetamol and nurofen/ brufen in addition to prednison for the PMR symptoms??

[Kaaswinkel72]

In May 2021 I will “ celebrate” 4 years of PMR. Now, mostly on 3.5 since about 1.25 years. Had various flares over this period, so very cautious with diminishing my prednison dose. I feel the paracetamol/ nurofen added saves me taking a higher dose of prednisone.

[MrsNails]

Hi

Paracetamol & Anti Inflammatory’s doesn’t ‘help’ with PMR Pain but we can also have referred pain & maybe OA plus ‘Old War Wounds’ as l describe them & as you lower your Pred they become more apparent again.

I take Paracetamol/Codeine & a Prescribed Anti Inflammatory for my knees & back but am closely monitored because of the risk to my stomach.

It is very important to ensure you stick to the guidelines for doses of these Medications.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Kaaswinkel72 in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks for your answer, that is good to know.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Agree with all MrsNails says.

I took paracetamol for my OA with Pred, but it was on prescription and monitored.

[Kaaswinkel72 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your reply.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I didn’t have PMR but at the low doses had plenty of aches and pains. General pain killers helped this so I wonder if it this is what you have. PMR doesn’t respond to normal painkillers and if it did I don’t think many would be taking Pred instead. So yes, taking them may have helped you stop increasing the Pred for non-PMR reasons. I’m 4 years this month; seems like a lifetime doesn’t it?

[Theziggy in reply to SnazzyD]

Just being inquisitive - "I didn’t have PMR " what did you have??

[SnazzyD in reply to Theziggy]

GCA with occasional fibromyalgia. The aches and pains did not feel like the descriptions given here by those with PMR.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It isn't recommended to take NSAIDs (nurofen/ibuprofen) together with pred at any dose. Paracetamol is OK.Most of us find painkillers have no effect on PMR pain - but it will often help with other things.

[Kaaswinkel72]

Thank you all for your answers. My GP prescribed me nurofen quite a while ago for OA neck while I had PMR. I never really took it as prescribed on the packet due to fear of side effects. ( my idea!) I now indeed have been very “ stingy” with it in my attempt to assist my PMR pain. . I Break the tablet in half even and combine with one paracetamol and coffee, one time a day, but it just gets me over that bit of increased pain I get from mid afternoon which feels PMR like pain and discomfort. Having been on 3.5 mg for more than a year now Presently unable to diminish my dose, I am reluctant to increase my prednison dose. Thanks again for advise.