I have had RA since 2006. I am on hydroquinone for years. Actually the prednisone is a short term fix . I would start taking it now before you are off the other. It takes a while for it to get in your system to start working. Prednisone can cause issues more the longer you are on it. I have been on it many years and it works well. I take it with sulfasalazine . I hope this helps you.