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PMR and Methotrexate

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 27 11:03am | Replies (231)

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@dadcue

In my opinion, prednisone perpetuates PMR after the adrenals are suppressed. I wonder how many people understand this or am I the only crazy person?

PMR is basically a condition of unregulated inflammation. A normal amount of cortisol isn't enough to get the inflammation under control. It isn't a shortage of cortisol though. The problem seems to be an excess of the IL-6 cytokine.

When we take higher doses of prednisone it replaces cortisol. We feel better because the inflammation is regulated by prednisone. However, when we attempt to taper off prednisone, we are confronted with prednisone induced adrenal insufficiency and a low cortisol level.

Adrenal insufficiency is an entirely new condition that mimics PMR. The treatment for adrenal insufficiency is to take more prednisone. We believe it is a PMR flare instead of adrenal insufficiency pain because of the response to more prednisone

This is the only way I can explain how Actemra worked so well for me. It is my belief that Actemra targeted the problem of excess levels of IL-6 and didn't suppress my adrenal function. After my cortisol level normalized, I could stop taking prednisone.

Now PMR is under control because the-pro inflammatory effects of L-6 are blocked. I don't need prednisone anymore.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043466621003318#:~:text=IL%2D6%20plays%20a%20major,%2D1%20and%20TNF%2D%CE%B1.
PMR is still treated as long as I continue to take Actemra. I don't know if and when I will be able to stop Actemra. My rheumatologist has never said I was "cured." About all that is said is that I'm "better" being off Prednisone.

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Replies to "In my opinion, prednisone perpetuates PMR after the adrenals are suppressed. I wonder how many people..."

"In my opinion, prednisone perpetuates PMR after the adrenals are suppressed. I wonder how many people understand this or am I the only crazy person?" I know not many understand it. Post after post blames the PMR but I think that the prednisone is mostly responsible. The PMR for me left me with hardly any side effects (that I know of). I think of all the autoimmunes to get this seems to have the better of the outcomes. But I am better being off prednisone.