gastro resistant pred and reduction

[Ana-16]

I have been on 1mg of gastro resistant prednisone for several months having reduced very slowly as advised. Not sure how to proceed now since I don’t think there are 0.5 mg of the enteric coated tablets available. I have started to omit one day a week with the intention of omitting more frequently. Would appreciate any advice. Many thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No there aren’t 0.5mg EC tablets -so either continue as you are -but repeating each week once - for example -

weeks 1&2 -omit one tablet

weeks 3&4 - omit tablet on 2 days (not concurrent though)

weeks 5&6 - omit tablet on 3 days

Etc..until you get to zero. If you stutter, you can also repeat previous week’s regime until things settle.

You just have to gauge how each stage goes - and react accordingly.

Or request plain tablets and cut in half so you can go down to 0.5mg on a slow taper, and then 0.5mg to zero

Good luck

[Ana-16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Many thanks. That’s really helpful. Very best wishes

[Ana-16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Just to add. So amazing to be able to ask a question or express an anxiety and receive an immediate and knowledgeable response. We’re all so grateful to you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ana-16]

No probs -as my partner in crime* says why we are here ..

*if you haven’t guessed -PMRpro 😊

[Ana-16 in reply to DorsetLady]

Above and beyond x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Using one of the slowed tapers will achieve a similar effect - you can repeat any stage of adding a day without any pred as the new dose as many times as you like. If you don't feel ready to add another - just mark time for a week or two. No hurry at this level.

[Ana-16 in reply to PMRpro]

Many many thanks

[Blossom20]

Yes, I did it by reducing by 1 tab a fortnight. I'm down to my last one now so wish me luck! It's my 3rd or 4th go! But this time I feel fine fingers crossed! Good luck x

[Ana-16 in reply to Blossom20]

Good luck over that last hurdle. Xx

[abby78]

I was told that when I got to 1 mg I was to then go every other day for one week. I have been off Prednisone for some weeks now and only on Actemra. Best of good hopes for you. It looks like Dorset Lady has a weaning plan below.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to abby78]

Very different situation when you are on Actemra but also if you have been on pred for a long time. Dropping from 1 to zero after a couple of years (or more) on pred will take a lot longer than a week for most.