P M R Reducing

[potplants]

how quick can you come down from 15mg of prednisolone

[jinasc]

That question is like asking 'how long is a piece of string?'.

PMR and GCA are auto-immune illnesses and they all have a mind of their own, they come when the want and go when they want, there is no cure at present.

The aim is to manage the illness as much as possible so can live a live as pain free as possible.

A different life and as each of us is different it takes time to find out what you need and when you need it. It is a steep learning curve, but knowledge is power.

I suggest you take the time and read up as much as you can, in the FAQ (Frequently asked Question) section in the pinned posts on the right side of this page.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You said last year you were on 15mg - what has happened since then? Been on it? Tapered off it?

Recognised taper for PMR is 15-12.5-10mg 3-4 weeks then 1mg per month - BUT not achieved by many.

If it’s only a short course- I.e less than 3 weeks then very quickly.

So we need to know circumstances to be able to answer sensibly.

[Arflane97G]

I was able to stop taking pred about 16 months but honestly so different for every one I think, best wishes

[Roryfederer]

It varies a lot with different people. After having been on high doses for some time I went from 15mg to 12.5mg for a month . Then 10mg. Unfortunately I had to go back to 12.5 for another month. When I went to 10 the next time I was ok. Although the taper then became 1mg from then on I had to go back up a few times. Finding it difficult now getting from 5 to 4 so went to 41/2. I intend going down really slowly now as I don't want another flare. Although I want to get off steroids ASAP this will happen sooner I believe if I go down very slowly. Again as I said everyone is different but if I have a flare up due to dropping too quickly it will just mean going back up every time. I would say check with your doctor if you still have pain when tapering.... Good luck.

[KMerrick55 in reply to Roryfederer]

Hi there, I did the same count down on Pred as you. I was determined to come off them. I achieved my goal and was pain free for about 5 months. The pain started again, but I tried to fight it off on my own. By the time I went back to see my Rheumatologist I had pain in every joint in my body, I was suffering from dreadful fatigue and depression, and was delighted to be offered Pred again. This time if I can get to 5 mg I will consider this a success, and I might have to accept that is as low as I can go to keep my symptoms at bay, and my life pain free.

[Roryfederer in reply to KMerrick55]

I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck this time. 🤞

[tangocharlie in reply to KMerrick55]

I wish I'd just stuck at 5 as going below that caused all sorts of problems, and I'm now worse off than ever. If I ever get back to around that level I will stick there next time. Certainly below 5 reduce very very slowly indeed and if your body doesn't like it, don't force it.