Anyone switched to hydrocortisone from prednisone for tapering?

I have been on HCQ for 2 years after prednisone. Started at 400mg a day and now at 200mg. No adverse effect's or reoccurring symptoms of PMR.

I can say my common cold and flu symptoms were reduced.

Good morning Ventmann
Did you go ahead with the transition to HC from long term Prednisolone ? If so how is it going ? I am in a similar position all bloods normal on 2.5mg Pred but just can’t get any lower … no PMR symptoms . Started today HC10mg twice a day and drop 1 mg Pred each month then slow taper off HC so 🤞🤞🤞
I hope you’re making progress .

Things have gone well with the HC transition. For me, the first week was rough. Fatigue was the big issue. Some pain which was not bad. Second week improved. After week two, fatigue was present but manageable.

The initial does of HC was 15 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening. I tapered for 52 days and day 53 was the last of the HC. I was able stop the evening dose after 42 days. I am at day 7 of no Corti steroids after over 2 and 1 half years.

My CRP blood test has been good for 10 months and the Sedimentation Rate has been in the normal range the last two months. The blood tests helped me understand that pain was related to prednisone and HC withdrawal.

My wife's niece, a nurse, suggested I keep daily records of the medication dosage and symptoms. The information was beneficial when I started seeing the endocrinologist.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the results.

Let me know if there are any other questions.

@ventmann
Thank you so much for your reply after 4 years on Prednisolone , less than 3mg for last 18months , to say I am anxious about the swop is an understatement. Endocrinologist has been very helpful and his plan is extremely cautious so it be will considerably longer than you have been .
I wish you well in your continued recovery .

Sorry just 2 more questions how much Prednisolone were you on when you switched and how long had you been on it?
Many thanks

I was on prednisone for 2 years. 3 months. The last dose was 4.5mg per day and switched to 20mg per day of HD. 15 in the morning and 5 in the evening.

Good luck to you.

Thank you this is very helpful .