Best to go back on Pred?

[LeighDelaine]

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2021 after having symptoms for at least 10 months prior. I was started on 15mg and followed Dorset Lady’s very slow taper (thank you DL!). I reduced by 0.5 and eventually, after a few blips, got to 1mg and stayed there for 6 weeks before coming off altogether on 7 May.

Unfortunately, the pains and stiffness have rudely returned. Maybe I should have taken 0.5 for a few weeks - or maybe that wouldn’t have made much difference? I don’t know whether to tough it out for longer or to swiftly go back on Pred, and if the latter, at what dose? I would be very grateful for advice. Thank goodness for this forum!

Leigh xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi

As you’ve unfortunately found out even a slower taper doesn’t work miracles if you go below the level you actually need.

If you act quickly you may find that a dose as small as 1mg might sort it out… and yes it probably would have been wise to go via 0.5mg rather than from 1mg to zero.

Hope you catch it in time… and no rush this time around.. many find it lasts longer than 2years…

[LeighDelaine in reply to DorsetLady]

Many thanks for this. Will take 1mg and will taper to 0.5 before giving finishing another go.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As we have said so many times - 1mg, even 1/2mg, can be plenty to keep the inflammation of low activity PMR under control. For the symptoms to have reappeared so soon suggests you probably need at least 0.5mg ongoing. Don't be in a hurry to get off that 1/2mg - take at least a few months over it.

[LeighDelaine in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for this PMPro. Will absolutely do that. x