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PMR and the new Shingles vaccine

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Dec 27, 2021 | Replies (67)

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@artist01

@karinaph, I have been diagnosed with GCA since June, 1919. Because I had already lost my vision in right eye, I was hospitalized and on IV infusion 1000 mg Prednisone for 3 days, to preserve the vision in my left eye. Following that, I was on quite high oral doses (was too ill then to now remember the exact doses), and had tapered down to 2.5 mg when I was suddenly taken off Prednisone because my WBC and neutrophils had bottomed out. At that time, I was also taken off Actemra injections for my GCA. I had been on the two Rx's since November, 2019. I was also taken off Clozapine at that time. All 3 of those meds can cause WBC and neutrophil drops for some patients. Terrible withdrawal happened, lasting for 6 weeks! I was also in a lot of pain, having stopped the GCA meds so suddenly.
I think stopping Prednisone too soon without tapering for long enough, was disastrous for me. Be careful and be sure to taper slowly! I'm only on the Actemra now - no more Prednisone or Clozapine.
Hope this might be helpful info for you, even though we don't share the same conditions.
Warm regards, Laurie

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Replies to "@karinaph, I have been diagnosed with GCA since June, 1919. Because I had already lost my..."

Oh Artist you have really had a go of it!! I’m so sorry for your setbacks and the vision loss. That’s my definite fear as well. The PMR is awful
And annoying and the prednisone icky BUT THE GCA is frightening. I take it the Actemra is specifically for GCA? I wish you a good recovery.