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Reducing predisone side effects
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
It seems that a lot of people taper in 0.5mg increments below 5mg. My rheumatologist does not believe in splitting pills so alternating in whole number mg is what I was instructed to do.
I am at 2mg. I am wondering if alternating between 2 and 1 mg is more difficult meaning it takes longer to be pain free during the 2 to 1 mg taper. I'm about ready to attempt it. I really do not want to increase above 2mg. My next appt is the middle of August and I would like to be at 1mg when I see him.
If it were me, I would go back to 5mg and rethink my taper.
Replies to "It seems that a lot of people taper in 0.5mg increments below 5mg. My rheumatologist does..."
@pmrsuzie Why, once you are down to 2mg heading for 1mg, would you become concerned with tapering taking longer? If it is working, don't fix it! - would be my motto at that low a dose.
I know you have a personal goal but your body does not have the same goal. Everyone's goal is to have a successful taper not being at a certain dosage for a doctor's appointment. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to treating PMR.
That said, alternating dosage for a week or more worked very well for me, especially at low dosages. Unfortunately, my inflammatory markers aways returned even with a slow and paced taper.
@pmrsuzie
I started the alternating plan in June tho I did 2.5 then 2 every other day then I’d do 2.5 for a day then 2 for 2 days then 2.5 then 2 for 2 days then went to 2 all week this past week. I’ve been feeling sluggish this past week and feeling kinda low these last few days. Curious. Wonder if it’s the lowering to 2mgs?
I’m going full 2 mg this week for the next few weeks see how it goes. I also see my rheumatologist in August. I know he wants me off prednisone!
(I am on methotrexate so that could be causing my fatigue? )
Here goes, eh?
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@pmrsuzie my experience with alternating dose is no problem. 2/1 gives you 1.5……I stayed at a minimum of 3 weeks pain free before tapering again. If you have some discomfort, you can supplement with Tylenol for Arthritis. Give it a chance.