NContralto91

[NContralto91]

iI am on Methatrexate, for R/A, so am unable to take Prednisalone.

Is there an alternative for Polymyalgia which I have and very painful.?

[SnazzyD]

hello there. It would help others to reply sensibly if you add a bit more about when you were diagnosed with PMR, how it affects you and what doctors have advised. Some people do take Methotrexate as well as Prednisolone, so what is the reason you can’t? You will get more replies but a bit more information would be great.

[Jane424 in reply to SnazzyD]

So is my granddaughter.

[MrsNails]

l’m on Prednisolone & Methotrexate - no issues.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Further to SnazzyD comments see this link for adding info to your profile/bio-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Who told you that?

Being on methotrexate for RA is not a contraindication to taking prednisolone for PMR. It is common for patients who struggle to reduce pred to also be put on the rheumatology dose of methotrexate in an attempt to make tapering easier.

And no, no real alternatives to corticosteroids.

[Blearyeyed]

Using both Methotrexate and Prednisone together does have to be supervised properly but it is used as a combination treatment for various conditions , including Rheumatoid Arthritis.In some cases , the addition of Methotrexate is given to Prednisone users whom are finding it difficult to taper their dose and still get adequate pain control , in that technique , the MTX is a steroid sparer.

Some research has been done into using the combo for long term RA treatment and showed better improvement in Pain Management and Life Quality for those using the MTX/ Pred Combo.

So , it will seem quite confusing to many people on this forum that already use this combination for PMR or PMR and RA to hear you received that advice.

You may need an alteration in the current dose of your MTX when initially starting on a higher Pred dose but this should be a simple decision on the part of your Rheumatologist. If the GP is the only doctor involved in your treatment at the moment there is the possibility that they said that because they aren't confident in making any drug choices or changes on their own . In which case you need a referral to a Rheumatology Consultant to provide your GP the proper guidance. You can request a referral for this reason , or a second opinion from another Consultant if you were told this by a Rheumatologist.

The only reason , I would have thought , that you were told this was either lack of knowledge on the option on the doctors part. Or , if you have another health issue , or had a previous severe side effect from Steroids, which meant that it wasn't a good combination for you as an individual patient.

More background would help though , for forum members to give you extra support or guidance in moving forward with this .

[piglette]

Why on earth do you think that Methotrexate and steroids do not go together? An awful lot of doctors are prescribing just that to their patients with PMR.

[Downtime]

I have RA and take methotrexate. I was diagnosed with PMR in June so I am now on steroids. I started at 12.5 mg and am now on 8 mg . I haven’t had any problems taking both and and as others have said Mxt is often prescribed alongside prednisalone for some patients.

[jessiem]

I am on Pred and MXT. The MXT has helped me reduce the Pred.

[WaltzG]

I am on Methotrexate and not on steroids although I know they are often taken together. I have now started tocilizumab as a alternative to steriods. So that is a possibility for you good luck

[Blackcat1M]

I have been on pred for nearly ten years and mtx for six no problems, I take 5mg pred and 20mg of mtx