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Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Oct 29, 2022 | Replies (299)Comment receiving replies
I just posted yesterday about my reaction to the Moderna vaccine in January.My shoulders and hips became severely inflamed within a few days, and after a consult with my primary he started me on 20mg prednisone each morning and night. That Rx and dosage are having worrisome side effects -- shortness of breath, moon face, muscle weakness, etc and I'd like to know if there are people who have been reducing their prednisone (how fast) and what their reactions and side effects are? I was reducing mine 2.5 mg every 5-7 days and my SED rate jumped 20 within that period while I was cutting it back. I've been on hold at this point (13.5mg day and 10mg Prednisone at night) while waiting several weeks for a follow up with my rheumatologist who has only seen me for the initial diagnostic visit back in February. Can anyone else tell me about what to expect when cutting back on Prednisone? I'm wondering if the cure may be worse than the PMR?
Replies to "I just posted yesterday about my reaction to the Moderna vaccine in January.My shoulders and hips..."
Dear @2heal, I have had Covid twice and had both vaccinations. Currently, I have been on a terribly strong steroid Dexamethasone, for over one month, and Prednisone before that for weeks. This steroid is causing me breathing problems major. I can barely do anything, and lose my ability to catch my breathe. I just called my primary and asked if I can get an anti-anxiety medication Diazepam. According to the internet, this drug helps people get off steroids safely. I hope you feel better soon!
No, the prednisone effects can be irritating, but full blown PMR is incapacitating and only prednisone controls it. You are cutting down very fast, which may be ok given the high dosage you’re on. Guidelines published by rheumatologists suggests a beginning dosage of 20 mg per day. Given your moon face and muscle weakness, you may be able to scale back further. THE KEY IS TO TAKE AS LITTLE PREDNISONE AS CONTROLS YOUR PMR SYMPTOMS. Everyone is different, so you have to find your sweet spot and then taper very slowly. I’m currently on 3 mg after 28 months and two flares. I go down, if all is well, a half mg every two weeks and that is considered fast by some. Stick with it and you will find equilibrium with the Rx and the PMR.
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Hi @2heal I am sorry to hear all you are enduring. Sounds like the SED rate is an indicator for arthritis which is an autoimmune disorder. That would explain your joints being affected. Basically your body is attacking itself for the inflammation thus creating the arthritis. Prednisone is used in many cases to suppress the immune system so it does not react as much. It would be understandable for the SED rate to increase as the prednisone is decreased. I would follow up with your rheumatologist or doctor who prescribed the prednisone to ask questions and be better advised. Did the doctor suggest to be weaned of the prednisone? Which ever doctor started you on prednisone ask that doctor why. Find out more info for what the goal was.