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Giant Cell Arteritis Diagnosis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Aug 3, 2025 | Replies (98)Comment receiving replies
I would be interested in what your doctor says about staying on 5 mg. My doctor didn't like that idea and dismissed it. At the age of 60 ... I was "too young" to take Prednisone for the rest of my life. However, if it was 3 mg or less maybe that wouldn't be so bad.
There are two primary factors to consider when taking Prednisone ... dose and duration. Disease control is very important but so are the side effects. Maybe if the side effects are minor it might be okay to stay on Prednisone. However, more and more research shows that even low doses of Prednisone for a long time isn't ideal.
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/low-doses-steroids-increase-cardiovascular-risks-in-inflammatory-diseases/
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It is a personal decision between you and your doctor.
Replies to "I would be interested in what your doctor says about staying on 5 mg. My doctor..."
I agree with your comments however I’ve come to the conclusion that given the alternatives and their inherent side effects I’ll stick with prednisone as long as it eliminates my PMR/GCA symptoms and try to get the dosage as low as possible. My rheumatologist has said that having to stay on a low dose (3 to 5mg) wouldn’t be the worst outcome. Knowing the pain and miserable existence that comes with PMR/GCA , prednisone and all that comes with it is a great trade off for me.
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Mike, not only does it increase cardio risk but it has some really nasty side effects.
Bone density is one. I would hope your doc has had you get a bone density and keep an eye on the bones throughout any longer than 30 day prednisone treatment.
Sounds like you have a good doc.