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How to Slowly and Safely Taper Off Prednisone but ... no set rules.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (70)Comment receiving replies
I started with 15 mg daily in 2020. Tried to go down a couple of times. This time when I went to 2 mg I got severe jaw pain and headache. I even have visible vessels on my temple. I am afraid of gca and have to find out what I should do now
Replies to "I started with 15 mg daily in 2020. Tried to go down a couple of times...."
If it was me, I would be in the ER. Save your vision. Do not wait.
There was a point where I was worried about GCA as well. Fortunately, I did not have it but every health care professional I spoke with emphasized the need to be seen ASAP to preserve vision. Don't delay!!
Hi @plaisc, So sorry to hear this.
You need to contact your doctor immediately or go to the ER especially if you experience any visual disturbance as @art43 advised. You risk possible blindness.
If you do have GCA, your dosage of Prednisone will increase dramatically, and your doctor will probably prescribe it before any biopsy is done to confirm it.
I had PMR for a year, then GCA, off Prdenisone a year and now down to 1 mg of Prednisone after a relapse of GCA.
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Are you seeing a rheumatologist? You might ask them, if you are a candidate for Actemra. If you do a search in this forum, you'll find a lot of discussions on the positive benefits from those of us who get it. I've only been getting it for 3 months and there is a huge improvement in my health. Others have been taking it for longer.