PMR and Methotrexate

My first occurrence with PMR I went back and forth between 1 mg and 1/2 mg prednisone and for about six months. Going back and forth weekly until I was able to stay at 1/2 mg dosage. Then I had the same problem going from 1/2 mg to being off. It seemed much easier my second time around with PMR which was about 6 years later.

Hello, hopefully my small contribution might help. I was taking 10 mgs of methotrexate once a week with folic acid for over seven years. I stopped abruptly and there were no side affects. Peach

I was diagnosed last December with PMR. Started on 20mg of prednisone, did wonders for me, now down to 5mg. I am stiff in the morning, but then I start walking, which helps, then later on do a few flexibility exercises while watching the news on T.V. I do not ever expect to be completely pain free, just have it at a manageable level. (It would be wonderful if I were to become pain free0 I emphasis diet and exercise along with my medication. Hope this may help you

Interesting how differently pmr can manifest itself and the amount / kind of meds needed for each individual. For me, stiffness in hands and neck ( RA or osteoarthritis probably ) is much easier than the muscle pain ( PMR ). Anyone have vasculitis at their ankles / shin ? Cleared up with prednisone. Do appreciate everyone’s input.

I have osteoarthritis in my hips and lower back. Prednisone helped lessen the pain, however, now that I am tapering, I take a couple of strong 650mg Tylenol (I cannot take ibuprofen family of drugs) about an hour before I take the dog to the park, or anywhere else that includes a lot of walking

I was diagnosed with PMR a year ago. Started on 15mg of prednisone then gradually tapering off to 5mg by December. I couldn’t cope with the pain so my doctor put me up to 7.5 which was still bad so I am finally now on 10mg. In the mean time I had my appointment with the rheumatologist at the hospital last week and he want me to try methotrexate, I have had to have a chest X-ray and blood tests first as lungs and liver must be ok. I am a little scared but think it’s worth a try as I don’t seem to be able to get off prednisone and this is a way of doing so. I should be starting my course this week, weekly dose of methotrexate and also have to take a folic acid supplement alongside. Blood tests every 2 weeks for 6 weeks, reviewing after 3 months then will start reducing prednisone. I look forward to seeing how your experience goes.

Hello @quasermum, welcome to Connect. I was put on 20 mg prednisone with my first occurrence of PMR and it took me 3 years to taper off of prednisone. The last six months I was going back and forth between 1 mg and 1/2 mg until I was finally able to stop taking prednisone and not have much pain. There is no set time for tapering as each of us are different. My rheumatologist worked with me through the tapering schedule to make changes that helped me deal with the pain. Here's an article that may provide more information.

Methotrexate overlooked for treating PMR
-- http://medicalrepublic.com.au/methotrexate-overlooked-treating-pmr/13024

Have you talked with your rheumatologist about your concerns?

I have had 2 occurrences of PMR. The first one it took me 3 years to taper off of prednisone. The second occurrence of PMR came 6 years later and it took me about 1-1/2 years to taper off of prednisone. I started with a 20 mg dosage for each occurrence of PMR.

Hi John, thank you for the link, it was very interesting. my Rheumatologist rang me yesterday to say all my tests are clear for me to go ahead with methotrexate, so I start today. Will keep you updated

@quasermum thank you sharing. I look forward to hearing how methotrexate works for you.

John, since you seem to be the person here who has dealt with pmr the longest, are you still off all meds and how is your pain level , energy , amount of fatigue, etc. Sometimes this is quite discouraging. I’m down to 5mg. Prednisone and still on methotrexate. Such a long road. Can you tell I’m down? Does everyone have to push to accomplish just daily tasks?