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Just starting prednisone for recent PMR dx. Terrified of side effects
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Dec 22, 2025 | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
I just read something interesting from the American College of Rheumatolology (ACR) that you might like.
"In patients for whom long-term steroid use is felt to be problematic because of side effects, your rheumatologist might try other medications, including methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine."
https://rheumatology.org/patients/polymyalgia-rheumatica
I think most doctors in the UK would agree that long term steroid use is "problematic."
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My rheumatologist never tried hydroxychloroquine but other medications were tried to see if anything would help me taper off Prednisone. My rheumatologist was open-minded enough to try almost anything if I was willing. When Actemra was tried there was no guarantee it would work. I was told that I wouldn't know if it worked or not unless I tried it to see.
Replies to "@hosers2 I just read something interesting from the American College of Rheumatolology (ACR) that you might..."
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@dadcue That is very interesting. The article says it was updated in 2025. I wonder if that paragraph was added at that time.
I do know that I successfully transitioned over to HCL (over a 30 day period) completely eliminating the prednisone. I then tapered off of HCL over about 18 months. Haven’t had any signs of a re-occurrence of PMR for about two years now. Wondering if HCL would work for you. Considering that Actemra keeps you well, but only if you continue to take it. Wondering what the long term effects are from taking Actemran the remainder of your life.