Using methotrexate with PMR

Posted by smoshetti @smoshetti, Jan 7, 2025

My husband, 72yo, was diagnosed with PMR in March of 2024. He had rather severe symptoms...couldn't get out of chair and pain in neck and shoulders and fatigue. He was prescribed prednisone and tapered to 1 mg over 3 months. At this point was pretty much symptom free. He has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and saw his cardiologist who told him to stop any prednisone immediately and see a rheumatologist for alternate medication. Blood work for inflammation is elevated but not extreme. He is experiencing symptoms but not as limiting. Rheumatologist is prescribing him methotrexate 10 mg going to 15mg in 2 weeks. He's afraid to take this medication because of side effects yet wants to avoid getting GCA. Anyone have experience with methotrexate therapy for PMR?
Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 31 4:36pm

In reply to @bigpapa19730 "I’ve had PMR for 4 months, and taking 20mg prednisone per day to control the pain...." + (show)

Hello @bigpapa19730, You will notice that we merged your discussion with an existing one on the same topic. If you click the link below, it will take you to the beginning of the discussion.
-- Using methotrexate with PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/using-methotrexate-with-pmr/

You might also want to take a look at these related discussions:
-- New Methotrexate Study in PMR: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-methotrexate-study-in-pmr/
-- PMR and Methotrexate: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-and-methotrexate/

Not sure I would be worried but if I had questions I would definitely talk to my rheumatologist. What makes wonder about being worried?