Pred question.

[LemonZest11]

Just wondering ... I take my pred dose in early hours of the morning and taking yogurt with it is not too much of an issue but not ideal at that time. I’m down to 2.5 mgs, which is a tiny piece of half a 5mg. Now I’m alternating with 2mgs, they are much larger. Is pred’s possible side-effect on the stomach based on it’s potency, or the size of the pill? That is, do I need to be more cautious stomach wise 2mgs as opposed to 2.5mgs?

[Grammy80]

Good for you being at that dosage. Have you had any stomach issues? I wouldn't think there would be a big difference between 2.5 and 2. I would let my stomach be my guide. Good Luck....

[LemonZest11 in reply to Grammy80]

No, not yet with the stomach, but just wondered if it is about potency or mass!! Battling away, like the rest of us, but optimistic and also cautious. What a bloody journey, eh? 🥵🤞

[Grammy80 in reply to LemonZest11]

So true, but fortunately we don't have to make it alone. I seem stuck on 14 mg again after getting down to 11. My body is telling me the I should hire a band and have a party if I get down to single digits.😉 I do take Omeprazole because of past stomach issues. It sounds like you are doing just fine.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Grammy80]

Stick with it Grammy80, you'll get there. I was stuck at 10 for ages, then tocilizumab helped me taper, very slowly and with a couple of hiccups, to here.

[Grammy80 in reply to LemonZest11]

I also take TCZ although I had to hold the injection this past week due to an infection. I'll see the rheumy again before my next injection is due.Thankful for 👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏼👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏻👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏻👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼 PMRGCAuk.....never alone...they have been a lifeline for almost two years!💖

[LemonZest11 in reply to Grammy80]

I agree, this site is so wonderful. Xx

[Rugger]

It's good to hear that you're tapering down to such a low dose. I doubt that the 0.5mg difference in pred content of your tablets will make any difference to your stomach after all this time.

Most tablets are made up of 'fillers' - you should be able to see the list of ingredients on the information leaflet that comes with your tablets. The active ingredients (in this case pred) are usually present in tiny amounts, such as milligrams or even micrograms, so the fillers are needed to bulk out the tablets.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Rugger]

Thanks Sue, not really answering my question but that's ok. How are you going with the taper? Still on tocilizumab? I know you've had a few hiccups, hope they are behind you.

[Rugger in reply to LemonZest11]

I'm still on TCZ and have been on 5mg pred for the last 6 months! I speak to my Rheumatologist in 2 months, when I hope we may decide to start tapering again 🤞.

Sorry if I misunderstood your question - I thought you were wondering about the difference in size of the 2mg tablet vs the half 5mg tablet, as well as the difference in dose. I'm easily confused these days! 🤔

[LemonZest11 in reply to Rugger]

I was, but I got lost on the filler info, not to worry. Hope you can recommence the taper soon Sue. I'm only having 3 weekly tocilizumab jabs now, and it hasn't really changed anything. I wonder now at the value of weekly doses ... but we're all different, and I'm not a big person so the fixed dose is stronger on me I suppose. Take care.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I doubt at that level it makes much difference. I could take a couple of 1mg plain pred tablets without any problem at all, i.e. 5mg e/c + 2mg plain pred was fine - but at 9mg with 4mg plain pred it wasn't, after a few days a little mouse was having a nibble at my gut!

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Makes sense, so it's about quantity. That helps.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to LemonZest11]

What I don't know is whether it was the pred or the fillers in the tablets ...

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

🤷‍♀️ well let's see what happens over the next weeks. I feel as though I am walking into unknown territory for me ... both excited and trepidatious. 🤞thanks.

[Cross-stitcher]

I, too, take my Pred around 2.00 am and am currently tapering from 2 to 1.5 (after spending 3 months on 2mg per day to stabilise myself and ensure no flare-up.) Since getting to below 5mg, I have not bothered with yoghurt or other foods and just swallow the pills with half a glass of water. I do take Omeprazole but my GP has reduced it to a low dose now that my Pred dose is below 5mg per day and she will help me to come off it eventually, again slowly.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Cross-stitcher]

Oh wow, Cross-stitcher, we are on similar trajectories! Thanks for that information, it really helps. Oh good for you! Slowly, slowly, but tell me, are you feeling a tiny bit excited? I cannot believe that I am at this dose, and boy, am I cautious. All the best to you for the next chapter in tapering. xx

[Cross-stitcher in reply to LemonZest11]

Thanks for the comments, LemonZest, and sorry for the delay in replying. I agree - slowly, slowly has been my motto ever since my diagnosis of PMR nearly 2½ years ago. I have been helped so much by this forum and it's wise ladies, and also by the Kate Gilbert book I bought right at the start of my journey. My GP has allowed me to control my own rate of tapering, and never questions what I ask for on my monthly repeat prescriptions. I have not felt the need for a referral to a rheumy, not asked for regular blood tests. Mild type 2 diabetes has been my only long-term side effect of Pred to date.

2.5mg to 2mg is a 20% reduction, and my current 2mg to 1.5mg is a 25% reduction, which is why I am taking it so very slowly. (I really cannot be bothered with trying to cut the tiny tablets into four pieces - I just end up with dust !!) If I have to stay on 2mg Pred for life, I won't be bothered, but so far the reduction is going well (a VERY slow version of DSNS). The only problem I currently have is DOMS from too enthusiastically tending my garden (which got short shrift last year when I was being much more careful to avoid "excess" exercise) but Paracetamol and warm baths seem to sort that out quite well so I know it is not a "flare".

I wish you every success with your progress towards zero, but maybe a Club 2mg should become a real cause for celebration rather than aiming relentlessly for Club Zero!

[LemonZest11 in reply to Cross-stitcher]

Yes, I'd be happy with Club 2mgs, if I am able to make it. I also have LVV and for that, I am on tocilizumab. I think this has enabled my taper, which heretofore I have never been able to achieve. My big concern was adrenals but so far they are behaving 🤞. Let's keep positive and thankful. Take care.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cross-stitcher]

Couldn't agree more - Many people manage well below 5mg which is terrific and what we should be hoping for - but they are still made to feel they are failing in some way.

[Shiba64]

HiI'm only 5 weeks in of taking Pred but just started dropping to 12.5mg (2 x5mg + 2 x2.5mg). I have to crush as can't swallow tablets! But well done for getting that low.!! Regarding size it's all down to the manufacturer of the tablet and like another person said it's what also then goes into the tablet to make it form. The active ingredient is the Pred so that will only be 2mg - the fact tablet is bigger than the half of 5mg just means that it's formed with other ingredients. My 2.5mg is same size as the 5mg - so that means the 2. 5mg has more 'other ingredients by weight' than the 5mg. They could be same ingredients but more of each. But irrespective of what the size you will defo get the 'mg' of Pred that is detailed. Therefore the 2mg shouldn't upset your stomach. I hope that makes sense?

😊

[Shiba64 in reply to Shiba64]

Should say 1 x 2.5mg 🤣

[LemonZest11 in reply to Shiba64]

Thanks Shiba for taking the time to respond, yes, makes sense. Now you be cautious with your taper, it's taken 2 1/2 years, with several hiccups, for me to get here. Listen to the experts on here, who really know their stuff and who so generously support and guide us when we ask. It's a long, slow journey and this forum will keep you reassured and at times, put back on track. All the best.

[Shiba64]

Ah thank you for the advice. I have seen some great posts and feel very lucky to have found this site as to be sure the doctors diagnose but don't really explain everything. Instant thoughts are that wow the steroids have made a difference to the severe stiffness but now feel I've hit a brick wall on that improvement!! But reading the posts I've read so far, it's clear it's not something that disappears quickly. And I've defo made metal notes on the comments in tapering so won't be letting the doctor drop me too quick either. Thanks for your reply. Take care 😊

[misspops]

Hi LemonZest11, Sorry to respond so late, but I just read your post tonight. I have never taken food with my prednisone. I take it after midnight, and never had a problem with the stomach.