steroids...

[lucindaross]

im currently tapering my steroids. I am on methotrexate and coming down 1mg per month. what side effects have other people had? xx

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Lucinda

Tapering Pred can be tricky and coming down slowly is the right way to do it. I'm sure others will tell you of the side effects they have had, but I just wanted to say that we are all different, some of us can come down in 1mg or 5mg (depending on the starting point) and have few problems, but sometimes it becomes very difficult to even come down by 1mg. Sometimes you can feel a bit off for a few days after the reduction but if this continues for any length of time then speak to someone in your medical team. Hope that helps.

PatriciaAnn

[LynneJ Vasculitis UK Volunteer]

Hi Lucinda

I am on Azathioprine but I think it works in the same way as methotrexate. I reduced mine in the same way as you are and was one of the lucky ones. No side effects at all. In fact I started to feel better but that might have been all the meds kicking in.

Your blood tests will show you are on the right track.

Good luck

Lynne x

[Sandy_T]

Hi Lucinda

If you do a search on 'steroid tapering' there is information from questions asked previously regarding side effects of steroid reduction, which hopefully will be of use to you.

Good luck, Sandy

[PaulBingham]

My answer is similar to the others. I got down to 5mg steroids over a long period,but experienced regular muscle and joint pains which interrupted my quality of life( which is very important to me )

I have found that an increase to 7mg, which may seem quite small, was enough to do the trick and get rid of all the aches and pains. That is where I am now and where I will remain and my Consultant is happy that this is the situation although medically speaking he would prefer me to be on 5mg.

As Patricia Anne said, we are all different. My aim is maximising quality of life even at the possible expense of the longer term good of my medical situation.

Good Luck

[lucindaross]

thanks guys. this is all helpful. ive only ever been off steroids once in 5years but my immunosuppressant didnt control my vasc very well. im hoping the methotrexate will help this time. my rage and constant hunger is subsiding though so thats good