OH - PMRRevisited Pred Management Query

[Nuff1]

I wish the man had writen down what GP told him rather than relying on memory!

20mg Pred dail for wo weeks then down to 15, thne 12.5 and then to taper off (request priscription for 1mg Preds)

After 20mg daily for two weeks is it OK to drop 5mg ?

He was also told to request an appointment with her if no improvement in 2-3 weeks.

[jinasc]

I am totally confused, two posts within 5 minutes and asking differing related questions.

Perhaps you could make it clearer.

OH had GCA/PMR and then went into remission - date please?

How long before symptoms returned and placed on 20mg?

15mg-20mg is the starting dose for PMR. When did OH just started on the 20mg's

The short answer is we need more information however the reduction dose is no more than 10% at a time.

Others will be along who are not as confused as me.

[Nuff1 in reply to jinasc]

Sorry to confuse , I separated the description of relapse from the dosage management.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

All friends on sherbet LMR had returned properly or not. GP is treating like a relapse of COPD or asthma-not sure if it’s going to work with PMR.

Only way to find out is try and see but have to say IF it is PMR he may end up in same situation .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes- provided it works for HIM, it is fine. I was on a short taper of 2 weeks each 15/10/5mg and each step down worked like a dream - until the day after I took the last 5mg tablets and I was in agony! Lots of patients would be put on that sort of dose for 10 days and stop for other things. The 15mg needs to be for 3 to 4 weeks though. No rushing there.

If, on the other hand, after dropping the 5mg the PMR symptoms return, go back to 20mg and step down via 17.5mg, And if the putative PMR symptoms are still there after the two weeks - ask the GP what they want him to do. No change at 20mg either means he needs a bit more or it isn't PMR. It COULD be GCA with pain in shoulders and neck - think that was where DL had the most trouble.

[Nuff1 in reply to PMRpro]

Ta muchly.

He has no pain on eating and top of scalp is not "burning so fingers crossed for thw two weeks on 20mg.

[piglette]

My rheumatologist gave me only 5mg tablets when diagnosed and wanted me to drop from 20mg to 15mg after three weeks. In my case it was with disastrous results, but some people manage it.