IM dose of Depo-Medrone

[Jones3]

I was diagnosed with PMR over 5 years ago and have been on 5mg of prednisolone for nearly 4 years (low of 3). I have never had raised markers. I still have fairly significant symptoms although these have morphed slightly over the years. However, I find it difficullt to explain the difference.

After consultation with my rheumatologist, I increased my dose to 10 mgs for 5 days before returning to 3. This made no noticeable difference to my symptoms.

At a subsequent consultation, my rheumatollogist gave me an IM dose of Depo-Medrone as a therapeutic test . This also made no noticeable changes to my symptoms and she thought it was reasonable to conclude that therefore I do not have any active inflamation.

I am awaiting the results of a MRI scan for lumbar canal stenosis.

If there is no inflamation, we agreed that I would taper very slowly to see if my symptoms worsen.

I would appreciate to hear the views of you knowledgeable people and in particular from those who might also have had a dose of Depo-Medrone and the effect it had on their symptoms.

Many thanks

[Grammy80]

I've not had that medication, nor do I have PMR. I've had GCA for over five years and have been on Prednisone and Actemra since 2019. This is my personal feeling....right now, I am in a mess and back on 60 mg per day plus Actemra to save the sight of my right eye; I lost the left in 2019

If I could get to 10 mg or 7 mg, my doctor would have to fight a lion—that would be me—to get me to go lower. I'm older, but I had a decent quality of life. I just want to feel safe, and if you were my daughter—I have a 63-year-old son—I would encourage you to think about a low-maintenance dose and your quality of life. I believe it is something like 20% of people with PMR that don't~! have raised markers in blood work.

There are far more knowledgeable folks on here, and there may be a good reason why it wouldn't be good for you—and they are super sources. These are just my personal feelings.💞

[Pixix]

I’ve had depo medrone injections several times a year for about five years. Most have been specifically placed, hip for bursitis, & thumbs etc for osteoarthritis. Oh, & when I broke my Coccyx bone, one directly into that area. But I did have one ‘general’ one to see if it could help with a number of things at once!! The specific ones have lasted between 2 days & 3 months, no idea why some work & others don’t. But none of them have been given for PMR. I don’t think any of them made a difference to my PMR, but they wouldn’t, if given directly into specific place, I don’t think. I’m thinking of asking to repeat the ‘general’ one as it helped my sciatica b& my arthritis in my feet, but my PMR was controlled by oral steroids, & I was increasing or tapering as normal. I’ve had some flare ups & some adrenal insufficiency issues, but the oral pred worked for the PMR….