How long does jaw claudication last?

[verve101]

How long would you expect it to take for jaw claudication to ease up after starting 40mg daily pred for GCA? Been on 2 weeks with no change. Headaches went after a few days. Worried the dose needs to be increased...

[SnazzyD]

Hello there. Mine went within 24 hours of 60mg but not everyone get an instant change. However, I think you need to check in with the doc. Was it one of your presenting symptoms and is it the only one left now? How would you describe it? It would help if you put in your profile how it all happened and what your dosing has been.

[SheffieldJane]

It sounds as if your initial dose needs to be increased. 40 mgs is a modest start dose for GCA. A lot of people seem to require 60 mgs and rarely even more than that. Discuss with your doctor as a matter of priority.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I was under the impression that jaw claudication ranked with visual symptoms as a trigger to use a high starting dose - i.e. 60mg, 40mg is the bottom of the range.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You need to contact doctor - as others have said 40mg probably not enough.

[verve101]

Symptoms started early January, diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and started on 40mg, new to the GCA, waiting for biopsy results. I have quite a low weight 40kg, but will contact rheumatologist tomorrow - won't be available today

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to verve101]

Then that dose does fit with your weight - 1mg/kg body weight up to a max of 70mg is one recommendation. But it still may not be enough.