PMR, tapering prednisone and methotrexate

[Darkchocolate1]

At age 74, I was diagnosed with PMR and put on 20 mg prednisone. Now also on methotrexate 10 mg and 11 mg prednisone. Slowly reducing prednisone dose. MTX is supposed to help me get off prednisone. Has that worked for anyone? Has anyone on these drugs had the covid antibody test to see if you have any antibodies from the vaccine. I have had 3 doses of Moderna and have no idea if I have any protection against covid virus. I had some bad side effects from MTX when I started taking but by adding vitamin A and folic acid daily I am tolerating it now. Just very fatigued.

[MrsNails]

Hello DC

I take MTX (now by injection) l have never been able to get off Pred but l have been able to reduce my dose - the first time from 18mg -> 7.5mg & currently from 15mg -> 10mg (aiming for 7.5mg again)

We have a Post on Covid Vaccinations which l’ll link for you - l’ve added a Document this morning from BRS which also discussed this. They are not completely sure what kind of response we are mounting that’s why they decided on a 3rd Primary Vaccine.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I have written a lot about my Journey on MTX which you’ll find in FAQ’s

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Interestingly 11mg was always my ‘sticking point’ so possibly try tapering to 10.5mg rather than 10mg & see if it helps.

If you have any more questions please ask.

Kind Regards

Mrs N

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Most people I know who have tried MTX have only been able to reduce their pred dose by a few mg at most - I honestly can't think of anyone who has got off pred altogether with it. I tried it - but after a month the fatigue was so overwhelmong I couldn't face continuing.

[Sharitone]

I am also fatigued by pred and MTX(20mg). Doesn't seem to have got me on to a lower pred dose than before. But now after 4 months, I am on waiting list for TCZ. Is it possible I - and you - was only given MTX because you have to have tried another DMARD before getting TCZ? We'll never know! sorry, don't know about antibodies.

[Darkchocolate1 in reply to Sharitone]

You may be right. We are sometimes like trial genie pigs without knowing it. I have lowered prednisone some after 7 weeks on MTX. I sure feel worse fatigue on MTX and I am only on 10 mg MTX. I think 20 mg would be so much worse. Kind regards to you.