PMR/GCA / RA -Tfr from Pred to Methoxorate

[cmToddy]

Hi all. You may have noted I posted last week. After 4.5 years I was doing so well. PMR and GCA all good and I was down to 2.5mg per day. Just as I thought I would see blue sky, I was diagnosed with RA currently in my hands. I had so many responses I was aghast with the support, which I thoroughly appreciated. I did contact the Rheumatology Dept at the hospital and expressed my concern about going to zero Pred by the end of April. Apparently, this quicker than would have liked to taper is essential as I need to get on the MX asap. I was told to stick with my instruction but if I struggled, I should call them but to give it a chance. I do actually feel better in myself again but the hands!! The pain is dreadful but I can cope. Best wishes to you all C

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is rubbish - you can start MTX while on pred - it may well help you with the taper. It is regularly used alongside in PMR so there is no contraindication, It is also used in RA to calm down a flare in RA - which after all is what they claim you have. I really don't understand why they are making such a fuss.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Although you may feel good on 2.5mg Pred, that’s no guarantee PMR has gone…which is what they seem to be implying - so reducing to zero may cause that to flare. As for not using MTX and Pred together, as said PMRpro has said - ‘rubbish’..

[Blackcat1M]

Hi I have been using pred and mtx for many years and luckily have had no reactions, the only time I have had to stop taking mtx is when I have antibiotics.

Hope this helps

[cmToddy in reply to Blackcat1M]

Very much so . Thank you

[Gaz227]

I’m on pred and MTX , no reason why you can’t be on both and if your one of the lucky ones MTX might help you taper without as many withdrawal side effects

[cmToddy in reply to Gaz227]

Good to know. Thank you .

[PMRCanada]

I too am on both pred and MTX, have been for 2 years. I will say that it does take a number of weeks for the MTX to kick in and that the MTX dose can be increased over time (or decreased as in my case). I really hope you don’t experience a flare of your GCA/PMR tapering off the pred so rapidly.

[cmToddy in reply to PMRCanada]

Thank you . I have my fingers xd. Love