Reducing steroids

[Richmond162]

Hi. I have a nasty chest infection and difficulty in breathing. Went hospital. 40mg steroids for 3 days and an antibiotic called Doxycycline. As I had reduced my steroids for PMR and GCA to 8mg a day, I was wondering if I should keep to 8mg a day after the last day of 40mg? I forgot to ask the doctor at hospital. My thoughts would be helpful. Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Depends on how you feel... according to sick day rules, see attached, if you feel okay within 7 days you can drop back down to previous dose...

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

Hope you soon feel better🌺

[Richmond162 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I will see how I feel 👍

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes - that would be the normal approach. It is the same as someone not on steroids, you return to your baseline, your baseline is 8mg,

But you do need to see how you feel after the 3 days, whether the antibiotic has kicked in too.

[Richmond162 in reply to PMRpro]

thank you. i have noted this.