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Using methotrexate with PMR

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 3 11:37am | Replies (56)

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@dadcue

Prednisone also made me feel worse the longer I took it. For me, feeling worse on Prednisone was overwhelming fatigue caused by adrenal insufficiency and a low cortisol level. Feeling worse when I took methotrexate was the nausea and vomiting caused by elevated liver enzymes.

I didn't start to feel better until I got off Prednisone. The biologic I'm currently taking makes me feel better. It does cause some mild lab abnormalities including slightly elevated liver enzymes but nothing that causes any symptoms. Since I get a monthly infusion of the biologic, I no longer worry about taking Prednisone every day or the dose I need to take and how slow my taper should be.

I don't know how much Prednisone you take but being on it for 7 years has some potentially bad side effects. The side effects are likely treated with other medications with more potential side effects. I know people prefer the devil they know but Prednisone is still a devil.

I know how difficult these decisions are. I was on Prednisone for more that 12 years. I wouldn't wish that for anyone. I'm sorry methotrexate isn't working for you. I hope you can find something else that works so you so can get off Prednisone someday.

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Replies to "Prednisone also made me feel worse the longer I took it. For me, feeling worse on..."

Thanks for your help. I'm 81 now and hate to start putting new meds into my system now. The question is do I go to high doses of prednisone and feel better and thus have a better quality of life that I have left?

It is so fascinating to see how people react differently. I am 86 years old and have been on Prednisone for 10 years. When I was on 60mg I was bloated and overactive and had difficulty sleeping but that was a fairly short time 6 months. Once I was on lower Fision’s I was great. Still playing pickle ball, walking every day, bone density is good. Cholesterol within the norm. BUT I have a question.
I was on 5 mg and two days ago had a big flare up of my GCA. I jumped to 25 mg and today am doing fine.

MY QUESTION: how quickly can I go down? Can I go to 20mg tomorrow?? Stay a week then 15 mg etc… My Dr is of absolutely NO HELP.