Connect
← Return to Tapering off of Prednisone
Discussion
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Feb 28, 2024 | Replies (313)
Comment receiving replies
I'd get a second opinion. Tapering from 20 to 10 mgs. in one shot is generally not recommended unless there is some important reason (e.g. your doc thinks your symptoms are a side-affect of prednsione?). Given your headaches, have you been checked for GCA? Safest way would be to drop to 17.5 and if you're okay there, then to 15 mgs. Slow and sure making certain you feel okay before dropping again. Once you get to 10 mgs. only drop 10% at a time.
Replies to "I'd get a second opinion. Tapering from 20 to 10 mgs. in one shot is generally..."
Connect
Hi e(@epvb) I agree with @ kmeikle1. It's important for you to be tested for GCA, usually by a temporal artery biopsy, especially with the terrible headaches. If you ever have trouble seeing, go to an emergency room as a delay in treatment could cause blindness. 'The dosage of prednisone for GCA is higher than for PMR - I started at 40 mg (I'm small), then tapered down by 5 mg every two weeks until I hit 10 mg - then the taper went down 2.5 after a month. I'm down to 4 mg now for a while and virtually pain free. I was down to 3, but went back up to 4mg. My next taper, after bloodwork - a CRP, will probably be down by .5 mg. Hope you can get a second opinion. All the best, Teri