Connect
← Return to What's a good anti inflamation drug (not prednisone) for PMR?
Discussion
What's a good anti inflamation drug (not prednisone) for PMR?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Nov 11, 2023 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
@girastancil The only one I've done research on and thoroughly discussed with my Rheumy is methotrexate. Methotrexate is not an alternative to prednisone. It's used by some to help taper from prednisone. The results I've read are not good. There are side-effects to methotrexate and the benefits are limited. Most of the comments I read on the boards I'm on say it had no effect or caused other issues. Based on that and my Rheumy's research I chose not to try it.
Replies to "@girastancil The only one I've done research on and thoroughly discussed with my Rheumy is methotrexate...."
Connect
I did try methotrexate along with prednisone. It did lower my inflammation markers to normal range for the first time in years. However, I did found I was very light headed and convinced my rheumatologist to let me go off it. Not sure if it was the source of the problem. It was better for a short period of time, but I am now battling light headiness again. Don't get labs run again until October, so that will be telling. I started at 20 mg of prednisone last November, am now at 3 mg and feeling really good. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can get off prednisone soon and not have the need for any meds. Have you discussed plaquenil? My rheumatologist indicated it was a possible option. Best of luck!