Steroid tapering

[bde987]

Hi , can l just ask the collective wisdom of this forum about tapering please? When l was put on Pred 15mgs Gp said l was to take that dose for 4 weeks then drop down to 12.5mgs after 2 weeks get a blood test which l have done and receptionist told me the results were marked as satisfactory. But l haven't been told when l should taper down to the next dose or what that dose should be. In your experience does your gp notify you when you should go down to the next dose or do you have to arrange to speak to a Dr (either over the phone or in person) l just don't want to be on a higher dose than is necessary or for too long. Thanks 😀

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Most people do reduce on a monthly basis - provided they feel okay - but they have been given some advice by their doctor at the outset… However some seems to be more vague than others.

Usual taper is 15-12.5-10mg [doesn’t work for all though] and then 1mg drops at 4-8week period depending on disease activity and patients wishes…

I would say, aim for monthly reductions, but it’s not set in stone, and your PMR may well decide when you can reduce rather than when you want to…so listen to your body. And no reducing if your symptoms reoccur.

Maybe have a look at this for general info-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It used to be that patients were left at the starting dose for 6 weeks at least before tapering at all but all doctors seem in a tearing hurry these days and it isn't always a benefit. I would say at least 4 weeks at each new dose and although some people can cope with the 2,5mg steps from 15 to 10mg, many can't. So if your step down to 10mg results in any niggles that don't calm down in a few days don't rush to do more. If those niggles seem to be worsening - that is a warning that you are possibly on slightly too low a dose for your PMR at present and the best thing to do is return to 12.5, stablise and then taper 1mg at a time, It doesn't mean you won't get lower - just not yet. The worst thing you can do is get into a flare of symptoms which may need going back to the start dose if you let it get worse. If that happens a few times - it gets harder to control the symptoms and reduce again.

[bde987 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you!

[bde987 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you!