Pref reduced

[Doublef]

I have had my prescription reduced from 50 to 40mg in just two weeks and find it wearing off early. I presume it is because it is to early?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Yes would agree especially as you said when you were reduced from 60mg to 50mg you were still getting headaches… and now it does sound that 40mg is not lasting full 24 hours.

You really shouldn’t be reduced by doctor unless you feel okay at current dose - and as we say very often 2 weeks it not always long enough to know I that.

I do know from experience that at higher dose for GCA many patients can reduce more quickly - but that doesn’t apply to everyone…

In some cases we may suggest splitting dose, but in my opinion that’s not a good move in GCA especially in the early days….

You need to seek advice from your doctor, whether that be GP or Rheumy - even though that may be difficult in current times.

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

Thought so I will have to see if I can get some extra tablets out of the Rheumy, thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Have your headaches gone now? If not then you need to tell rheumatologist - if he doesn’t know you are having problems he will continue to reduce you as per guidelines say… but as we know on here they are only guidelines, and need to be adjusted to the individual patient …

Unfortunately that doesn’t always seem to be the case…. But it matters, even more so with GCA.

[Doublef in reply to DorsetLady]

Headaches are not as bad but start around the 16 hour mark of that makes sense

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doublef]

Yes that does make sense -and confirms GCA is not fully under control… so more Pred required IMHO.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All said by DL - you need to be assertive with the doctor about the persisting symptoms.