Any luck using Tylenol and ibuprofen for joint pain?

Before PMR was diagnosed there was a time when I used heavy duty NSAIDs. That was when I was only diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis (ReA) and several "flavors" of different NSAIDs were prescribed for me. Reactive arthritis is another autoimmune condition for which NSAIDs are usually the first line treatment. I think flares of Reactive Arthritis are just as painful as PMR but Prednisone isn't used as a long term treatment.

I also had degenerative arthritis in my knees. Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. My degenerative arthritis was not caused by the wear and tear of aging. My degenerative arthritis was the result of a knee injury that was surgically repaired with the standard of care customary in the 1970's. That surgery predisposed me to lifelong degenerative arthritis from the age of 16. At the time, I was too young for a knee replacement.

Over the counter ibuprofen was recommended for the osteoarthritis in my knees. When Reactive Arthritis was diagnosed I used "prescription strength" NSAIDs.

Whenever I had a flare of uveitis, high doses of Prednisone were prescribed. Uveitis is to Reactive Arthritis what GCA is to PMR. Uveitis and GCA are both inflammatory conditions which can cause blindness that can happen alongside their counterparts. Uveitis is associated with Reactive Arthritis just as GCA is associated with PMR.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734
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I quickly learned how well Prednisone worked for all of my arthritic and autoimmune conditions. I used Prednisone for everything and rarely used NSAIDs. I didn't have a rheumatologist who would have been better than me at treating all my conditions.

My ophthalmologist supplied me with plenty of Prednisone for uveitis and I put whatever Prednisone that was leftover to good use.

After PMR was diagnosed I was told not to use NSAIDs with Prednisone. However, in futile attempts to get me down to a lower dose of prednisone, my rheumatogist said it would be okay for me to take ibuprofen and/or Tylenol sparingly for joint pain that wasn't PMR.

As always ... check with your doctor.

To jimp @boo3
Prednisone plus NSAID’s is evidently a recipe for serious stomach and digestive disorders, internal bleeding, and even intestinal rupture that can be fatal.
Please research these drug interactions, and clear what you are doing with your doc.
You are probably putting yourself at risk of a very serious medical event.
Best of luck.

My Dr. recommended Advil for back pain and it is working OK, nothing stupendous, but it does take the edge off. Also works for my wrists.

I was never on Prednisone because I had normal labs so no one would prescribe it. But I know I had/have PMR based on symptoms and being a long-time member of this group. Initially I took massive doses of ibuprofen just to get me through, always with food. It worked better than any of the prescription pain drugs that I was prescribed. It took me a number of years, but now I rarely take anything and don't know if the pain I get is PMR or old age, I am 78. I just deal with it, continue to walk over a mile a day, take care of a home and 50 acres. PMR is terrible and I wish all good luck and pray they find something better than Prednisone for dealing with it.

The bottom line is each of our bodies are so so different and they all react differently to all of these medication‘s!!! If a certain medication that you’re given by your doctor doesn’t work out for you it’s important to discuss the situation with your doctor!!! certainly can’t hurt to be honest with your rheumatologist and stick to what you think is the right thing for you to do!!! wishing you all the best going forward!!!

Thank you for the concern and advice. I did have the same info and fears regarding Aleve etc with prednisone so asked rheumatologist at last appointment directly about taking Aleve or Advil while taking my prednisone. Her answer was that there would not be an issue. I did tell her that I only take IF hands and knees bad and wanted to golf. Anything else I do with whatever pain or discomfort I have at that moment. To be clear to all I probably only have taken one Advil per day maybe 4 or 5 times in last six months since being on prednisone. I too am leery of stomach issues.

Saw my GP today for Wellness visit. Asked him about OTC pain relief due to upcoming surgery and knowing that I can’t take ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory for 5 days leading into surgery. He told me take Tylenol Arthritis. Aleve was my go to for years and Advil somewhat so this will be an experiment to say the least. Prednisone does the trick for my PMR and the Advil took the edge off hand pain and stiffness so hoping Tylenol Arthritis works. Anyone else us TA?

If it were me I would definitely follow the doctors instructions before your upcoming surgery! Before surgery you want to make sure that your blood is not too thin and Tylenol arthritis will work not as good as your other medication‘s but it’s better than nothing. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

My PMR started April 1, 2025. When the pain was at its greatest throughout April and May 2025, I used Tylenol, NSAID cream, aka Voltaren, and Lidocaine patches. I also used CBD oil, which has a nice heating effect.

Tylenol should be fine. I tried usking Advil to get off the opiods. Bad mistake.
Neither my family doctor or my cardiologist warned me about taking too much or too long.

I took the maximum of 3 a day for ten days. By the 10th day I was painfree and in emergency where the doctor diagnosed a minor heart attack due to the high blood pressure created by the Advil. You should only take Advill for no more than 3 days at a time. It scared me enought to get may will and other documents in order!