tapering advice

[Lynlea]

I had a general appointment with rheumatologist in early January and was advised to taper from 9mg to 5mg by May (1mg per month) and then would see me again. I did not receive appointment which I usually do a couple months after seeing rheumy so decided to ring yesterday. I was advised department extremely busy and I had been added to waiting list and first appointment not until August. I will try to speak to my gp in the next couple of weeks.

My question is do I continue tapering 1mg every month until August or stay on 5mg.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Depends on how you feel -but many find once they get to 5mg it’s better to slow down on the tapering -so either 1mg every 2months or 0.5mg per month.

So long as your 1mg tablet is plain white uncoated version it can be cut.

1mg at 5mg and below is a much bigger reduction percentage-wise than above 5mg.

But I do have to say -you have reduced very quickly -so just be aware it may not continue as well in future.

[Lynlea in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, may stay on 5mg until I have bloods done and see rheumatologist in August.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you still feel OK at 5mg, then I would continue tapering but NOT at 1mg per month. You need to slow down. What you have achieved so far has been pretty fast and the rheumy was being fairly optimistic as it was!

[Lynlea in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro, I will see how I feel inMay when on 5mg will probably stay on 5mg until I see rheumatologist or if I feel well enough will try 0.5mg taper in June

[Bcol in reply to Lynlea]

Morning Lynlea, pretty good going so far, fingers crossed that your journey continues well. I work/plan on 0.5mg every five weeks but don't move to the next taper unless happy with where I am.

[Lynlea in reply to Bcol]

Good morning, thanks for your response. I am going to see how I feel in May when I drop to 5mg will possibly plan to on 0.5mg if feel well enough until I see rheumatologist in August.

[Broseley]

Does your rheumatology department have a helpline? If so they may be able to advise.

[Lynlea in reply to Broseley]

Unfortunately no helpline. I will ring rheumatologist secretary next week to see if she can speak to rheumatologist and advise. Thanks for response x