Reducing Prednisplone

[DJmusic]

I have now been on 20mg pred Since the 7th of January and my symptoms of PMR have almost gone little stiff in the shoulders in the morning but nothing like before I am able to work properly and I also have some pain in my right hand and a feeling of tightness in my left knee (I had a double knee replacement in September it could be that) The severe pain in my left knee has now gone. My doctor has told me to reduce by 5 mg I have a feeling that’s too fast so I have started By reducing by 2.5mg, That was a week ago So far so good I just wondering if anyone had any thoughts and when I should reduce by another 2.5mg . Thanks in advance for advice

[SheffieldJane]

I would be tempted to do an even gentler taper as you have a few symptoms poking through ie reducing by 1 mg from now using DorsetLady’s taper or the, “dead slow nearly stop taper “outlined in more detail in the FAQs section of the site. Certainly never reduce more than 10% of your dose. This will eventually involve pill cutting, so invest in one of those pill cutters.I would try this now if you are well and stop if withdrawal symptoms don’t settle within a couple of days. Run changes past your doctor.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Well done so far, but don’t get too ambitious-lower you go less excess Pred to control matters.

Most official tapers say 2weeks, but personally think 4 is safer. ..and very sensible to only drop 2.5mg -not sure what GP’s thinking! But do monitor things - don’t let any more twinges return.

A flare can take to weeks to materialise in some people, so always best to get past that point methinks.

Good luck..

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I'd give it at least 2 weeks and preferably 3. Good move to just do 2.5mg in my opinion. If the doctor insists on too big a change, then 2x half the reduction is much more likely to work and can take about the same time. They will complain it is slow - but I always say it isn't slow if it works. No reduction should really be more than 10% of the current dose or you not only risk overshooting the dose you need - and in the early days it is often relatively high - but there is also the body having to adjust to the change in dose. They are in such a hurry these days - and it so often causes problems.

[Sharitone]

I've always found that below 17.5mg, 2mg drops are a bit too dramatic. I prefer to halve the drop, and stay on that halfway dose for a shorter time.