Pred tablets!

[Phoebenooby]

I’m currently on 4.25mg and take 4 single tablets and cut a 500mg one in half. What amuses me is when I was on 5mg I got 56 tablets per prescription but now I’m on 4.25mg I still only get 56 tablets! So 4 tablets a day only lasts for 2 weeks where as the 56 x 5mgs lasted 2 x months! Also has anyone received their tablets like this, to make up the amount? The smaller quantities don’t even have the 1mg on the foil!

[piglette]

I often get my tablets cut off in bits. Very frustrating for the pharmacist having to do it to meet the prescription requirements I always think.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Perhaps you need to explain the arithmetic to the GP... or maybe it would be all too difficult. 😲

Have sometimes had tablets like this, but not sure I did with GCA.. but it was a long time ago.. doesn't help when some come in packs or 28 and others in packs of 30, or even 100. Really need to be standardised

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is a disgusting UK habit!!! My pred (and everything else) here is dispensed as multiples of full packets as they come from the manufacturer!

[ChrisBeeLoop]

Can I just check your maths? If you cut a 5mg in half you get 2 ½. To get a ¼ mg dose you need to cut in into quarters which gives your four little pieces of 1 ¼ each. then you top up with singles. I'm guessing you made a typo but just for safety's sake….

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to ChrisBeeLoop]

It reads -

I’m currently on 4.25mg and take 4 single tablets and cut a 500mg one in half.

Phoebenooby may well mean 500 microgram tablet [so 0.5mg] rather than 5mg as you read.

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/predn...

[Phoebenooby in reply to DorsetLady]

Ha ha yes…typo 0.5mg or 1/2 a mg!

[Phoebenooby in reply to ChrisBeeLoop]

Ha ha yes a typo! I meant 0.25 or a 1/4mg

[ChrisBeeLoop in reply to Phoebenooby]

I didn't know you could get a 0.5mg tablet! That’s news.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ChrisBeeLoop]

Like all the uncommon types, the cost about 30x as much as bog-standard doses.

[Phoebenooby in reply to PMRpro]

Really?! 😳

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Phoebenooby]

Yep -

Prednisolone 1 mg

Size 28 Unit tablet

NHS indicative price £0.63

Drug tariff price £0.63

same manufacturers- compared to

Prednisolone 500 microgram

Size 28 Unit tablet

NHS indicative price £10.20

Drug tariff price £4.75

[Elmadon]

I get my pred prescription when I ask for it. I have enough to last for Ages due to the reducing amount. I’ve always reduced by 1mg.

[PMRnewbie2017]

I also feel the need to question your post. As far as I'm aware, there are no 500mcg (half a mg) tablets available in the UK. Please clarify for us

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

"Prednisolone Medicinal forms - Drugs - BNF - NICE

BNF

bnf.nice.org.uk › BNF › Drugs › Prednisolone

Oral tablet · Show. Prednisolone 500microgram tablets A A H Pharmaceuticals Ltd · Show. Prednisolone 500microgram tablets Alliance Healthcare (Distribution) Ltd."

I can't see BNF from here but this is what appears when I google it. I know someone on the forum gets them

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

I have also replied above - with link that PMRpro cannot access as outside UK -

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/predn...

However they are more expensive than 1mg price, so don't hold your breath.

[PMRnewbie2017 in reply to DorsetLady]

Well what d'ya know! Thanks for that. Weren't available in my day, how things change.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

Nor mine…

[PMRnewbie2017 in reply to DorsetLady]

Just seen this in the BNF for prednisolone , looks like we are getting somewhere regarding duration of treatment.

Polymyalgia rheumatica

By mouth

Adult

10–15 mg daily until remission of disease activity; maintenance 7.5–10 mg daily, reduce gradually to maintenance dose. Many patients require treatment for at least 2 years and in some patients it may be necessary to continue long term low-dose corticosteroid treatment.

For those who don't know, the BNF is the drug bible for Drs, Pharmacists and Nurses.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

We hope….. not sure the necessary people always read it though.. 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Surprising how often GPs DO read it mind!!! And that is something we can tell patients to tell the doctor who says it only lasts 2 years!!!

[Phoebenooby in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

I get them, I’m in the U.K.

[Groggrim]

I think I must be lucky. I've read other posts where the prescribed amount is related to the dose taken. I would find that stressful. My prescriptions are on repeat and are for whole boxes of either 1mg or 5mg (28 tablets) I get three boxes of each at a time with a date when I can reorder. I click on what I need and it gets sent to the pharmacy. Is my practice unusual in this?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Groggrim]

I don't think they are alone - but there are some who are really Scrooge-ish with the pred.

[Groggrim in reply to PMRpro]

Such a shame, patients have enough on their plate without worrying about getting the right amount of meds 😒

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Groggrim]

So true.

[ngchgc]

My Rheumy, no problem with tampering of packets, I get the full amount.

However my Doctor can, and will prescribe quarter, half and sometimes a certain amount in the bottles or packs.

I don't like how they have opened up a sealed bottle and removed "X amount" from the full packet or bottle, and one still pays for a full pack! But you have to keep returning more often.

I did speak to my Dr last week and made sure he gives the full amount on the prescription. Don't need the stress while one is not well.