When to taper

[Jooster]

So happy, have tried splitting the dose as suggested. I take 10mg at 2/3am and the further 10mg with breakfast, and fingers crossed I am now 3 days virtually pain free! I wondered what peoples advice would be on how long would be reasonable to stay at this dose before I begin to taper? I know my GP would say straight away and to get off the steroids asap, but as we know it's not quite that easy! Thank you for your thoughts.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How long have you been on 20mg altogether?

[Jooster in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, Have been on 20mg since last August, with failed attempts at reducing. My GP wants me off them pronto, although another doctor at the practice seemed to have more of an insight when I was struggling.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jooster]

" My GP wants me off them pronto" - very possibly - does he tell his RA patients they need to get off their medication pronto? It isn't his decision - PMR is a chronic disorder where the only management strategy is corticosteroids which are the equivalent in PMR of DMARDs for RA. He can sing and dance all he likes - PMR writes the rules.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you’ve only been on 3-4 days then maybe another 10 days or so just to make really sure.

At the moment what is your “intended” taper, or haven’t you thought that through yet? As you had issues previously I would be inclined to try only 1mg a time...

...GP may want quicker, but as know that didn't work last time around, so mention that to him/her!

[Jooster in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi, I was thinking 1/2mg reduction, so 9.5 in the night and 10 in the morning, or should I be brave and go 9 in the night and 10 in the morning, what do you think? It's like a balancing act, or walking the tightrope!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Jooster]

Go tiny to start with.....if it’s easy you can always shorten the time at that dose, but if you take a bigger step and it all goes to rats, you’re back to square one again.

[Jooster in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, I feel much more confident with the help, advice and support from this group. Also very optimistic as we can see our Grandson for the first time in ages on Sunday😀