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PMR: Are there treatment alternatives to Prednisone?
Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 11 7:08am | Replies (175)Comment receiving replies
Success with any meds other than prednisone? Diagnosed Feb ‘22 with classic symptoms limited to shoulders and upper arms. Started w 40 mg prednisone for only a week and titrated down to 20mg. Heave been as low as 9 mg, however symptoms creep back in and labs go up - latest CRP 11.4 and Sed rate 9. Currently on 10mg, however still symptomatic w pain ranging 2-6 during the day. Sleep interruption w discomfort as well. Is anyone prescribed anything other than prednisone? No current symptoms that would suggest GCA - getting full RA work up this week. My symptoms began 10 days following Covid booster last fall, so I’m hesitant w flu vaccine and 2nd booster as well. Appreciate any feedback or guidance.
Replies to "Success with any meds other than prednisone? Diagnosed Feb ‘22 with classic symptoms limited to shoulders..."
Hi @ozblossom, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @amandajro and others. In my two experiences with PMR flares, prednisone provided relief from the pain symptoms but the key for me was tapering slow. The first occurrence of PMR took me 3 and half years to taper off and the second time which was following a 6 year remission took 1 and half years to taper off.
Here's an article that may help you and others that may be looking for alternative treatments for PMR.
— What non-pharmacological treatments do people with polymyalgia rheumatica try: results from the PMR Cohort Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8800888/
One of the best tips I had from my rheumatologist was to keep a daily log of my prednisone dosage and pain level. If when it was time to taper down to a lower level and my pain came back, I would go back to the previous level or half amount I tapered down for a few days to see if that would get rid of the pain. He basically told me to listen to my body when tapering.
Do you keep a daily log for pain levels and dosage?
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Hello @ozblossom and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion which you can find here:
- PMR: Are there treatment alternatives to Prednisone?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-to-prednisone/
I did this so that you may connect with members such as @flymetothemoon and @johnbishop who may be able to share more with you based on their experiences.
When do you start your RA work up this week?