Which painkillers with prednisolone

[Doublef]

I have just reduced prednisolone to the second stage 50mg. Headaches are not to bad but still there at times. Can I take painkillers, if so which ones. The pains are normally in the temple and forehead areas.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Depends what the headaches are due to - it may be that 50mg pred isn't enough to manage the inflammation. You need to speak to the doctor because ordinary pain killers won't manage GCA inflammation, you need to be on enough pred.

[Doublef in reply to PMRpro]

I have just gone from 60 mg pred to 50mg for GCA

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Doublef]

Yes, I realised that, But sometimes 10mg reductions are too much and any reduction can be too much if the inflammation isn't fully under control.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Sorry but going to ask questions-

How long were you on 60mg? Looking at previous post 3 to 4 weeks?

And were you completely clear of headaches before you reduced?

If so, how quickly did they come on?. If on days 1-3 days on new dose could be steroid withdrawal -if it took longer, say a week or more, likely to be too low a dose.

Even after being on 60mg for 8 weeks my drop down was to 55mg for 3 weeks and then to 50mg.

First few months are really important in keeping GCA under control.

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

Only for 4 weeks as per instruction, I don't feel it was fully under control from 60 to 50 mg. I am having to chase prescriptions after a short while.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Most doctors would expect 4 week to be enough, but they really should check, and not just assume! Particularly with GCA, and what implications that could bring…and you certainly shouldn’t be having to chase prescriptions….

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[Doublef in reply to PMRpro]

I think you are right there, sounds like I needed to be on 60mg for longer.

[piglette]

Painkillers should not really be needed for PMR/GCA apart from steroids, which are pretty powerful drugs. Sometimes when one is reducing you can sometimes get steroid withdrawal symptoms and can take paracetamol. You should not take NSAID type drugs at all if you can help it.

[Doublef in reply to piglette]

Thank you