Methotrexate and prednisolone

I did not want to go on Methotrexate. I fought hard not to go on it but in the end my Dr said I had to start there before I could try any of the other drugs they are using for PMR. It took about 2 months and I started feeling better. I had tapered to 2 1/2 mg of prednisone but it was difficult. I am at 1 mg now and I have very little pain or stiffness. I take 20 mg methotrexate. I’ve been able to taper faster and with no side effects except for some hair thinning. My goal is to be off prednisone by June and then will see about getting off the methotrexate.

@bren0718
How long were you on Prednisone before you added Methotrexate? I am guessing to help the weaning process.

Just started Methotrexate to wean off Prednisone. The good news is it took all of PMR pain away. I am, however, worried about the long-range side effects of the Methotrexate.

@betsyhase I was on prednisone for 2 1/2 years before I started methotrexate. I tempered down to 3 mg but it was very difficult and I was having trouble getting past 3 mg. I am now at 1 mg of prednisone after being on Methotrexate for about 4 months. It took a couple months before it started helping with the pain . I do yoga 5 days a week and am very active. I have hardly any pain. Maybe a slight stiffness in the morning but it goes away quickly. I have had no side effects from the methotrexate except for hair loss. I take 20 mg once a week.

Thanks for your comment. Encouraging to hear minimal side effects on methotrexate. I've noticed hair thinning also but for me it happened when I was just taking the prednisolone. Thankful for the no pain part.

@bren0718
Thank you for your detailed response. My PCP is doing a taper of 1mg per month. I am at 9mg now. My knuckles in my hands are red and swollen but xrays say osteopenia. My hands were some of the first places I started feeling pain and restricted movement. Then the steady pain and weakness throughout my body. It's hard to find the right balance of enough but not too much exercise or movement. I frequently find muscle fatigue from minimal activity.

I was on Methotrexate but then it was discovered by chance I have interstitial lung disease. The pulmonologist told me I have to stop the Methotrexate because it might make the lung disease progress to fatal pulmonary fibrosis. I've tapered the prednisolone down to 1 mg per day and have a lot of pain and stiffness. The rheumatologist has given me a prescription and patient information on Leflunomide but after reading of the possible side effects I'm not very keen. I suppose I'm not desperate enough yet.