Hello @casinokid1121 - I combined your new discussion on polymyalgia rheumatica with other discussion of the same title:

"Polymyalgia rheumatica"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/polymyalgia-rheumatic/

I did this so the members who have shared their experiences with you can see you new post and you can continue the discussion with them in one place.

"My pharmacist buddy says 2 mg of prednisone really does not do much for you."

"Does 2 mg of prednisone really do anything for the inflamation, or is it just about the tapering process?"
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Not a stupid question at all.

I personally agree with your pharmacist buddy. However, many people will say every .25 mg makes a difference all the way to zero.

When I tapered off prednisone an endocrinologist said 3 mg was such a small dose that I didn't need to taper from that low of a dose. My circumstances were different for a couple of reasons:

1) I had to stay on 3 mg for 6 months until my cortisol level improved. After my cortisol level was adequate, the endocrinolgist said it was safe for me to stop taking prednisone.

2) I was on a biologic that was controlling PMR inflammation nicely. The endocrinologist checked with my rheumatologist to make sure I didn't need prednisone for PMR anymore.

3) I was on Prednisone for 12 years. The longer you are on Prednisone the harder it is to taper off because of adrenal suppression and the possibility of a flare. Adrenal suppression may contribute to having a flare.
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In spite of being told that I didn't need to taper from 3 mg --- I did a fast taper anyway. I did what I called a "countdown taper" 3mg - 2mg - 1mg - zero. I decided to do this taper in one week.

I don't think there is any single best way to taper off prednisone. I think you need to do what works best for you while consulting with your doctor.

I should add that the endocrinologist also said that I should restart prednisone "for any reason if I felt the need" but "preferably" I should contact her before restarting prednisone. She said that I wasn't required to contact her first but she wanted to know if I needed Prednisone again.

The endocrinologist said there was the "potential" for an adrenal crisis if something very stressful happened. She said a car wreck would be one example of something very stressful.

I’m just one person but my first time with PMR lasted 3 and a half years with the last six months going back and forth between 1 mg and 1/2 mg prednisone until I could taper completely off without any PMR related pain. So even 1/2 mg made a difference at the time.