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@aussiedogmom glad to hear that Kevzara is working so well. Lots of good reports about it. But for all of us it does remain very important to try to distinguish between adrenal insufficiency or PMR pain when reaching the low doses. Simply because while PMR is very painful, adrenal insufficiency is dangerous. There are tests that can tell whether the adrenal glands are starting to wake up again after their prednisone sleep. My understanding is that if they - unfortunately - don’t wake-up then prednisone can’t be reduce past a certain low level maintenance dose.
Replies to "@aussiedogmom glad to hear that Kevzara is working so well. Lots of good reports about it...."
"My understanding is that if they - unfortunately - don’t wake-up then prednisone can’t be reduce past a certain low level maintenance dose."
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That was my understanding also.
My experience with Acterma was as follows:
In 4 months, I quickly tapered from 10mg to 3mg after Actemra was started. When I reached 3 mg ... I had a vague sense that things weren't well along with pain that was similar to PMR pain.
When my cortisol level was checked and found to be low --- I was told to stay on 3 mg and not taper any lower. I had to remain on 3 mg of Prednisone for 6 months waiting for my cortisol level to improve. Since I was treated with prednisone for 12+ years, an endocrinologist wasn't overly optimistic that my cortisol level would improve.
Even when an endocrinologist said it "might be safe" to discontinue Prednisone, I was also told to restart Prednisone again "for any reason if I felt the need."
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My first line of defense with discomfort at lower doses is Tylenol for Arthritis……it worked for me, Rehumy recommended