This seems like a high initial dose and a very fast taper to me. I have had PMR for 15 mos. My taper was: 20 for 3 weeks, 15 for 4 weeks, 12.5 for 4 weeks, 10 for 4 weeks. Below 10 I have had 3 flare-ups and have not been able to keep to the schedule of 1 mg/month drop. I am at 8 mg and my rheumatologist thinks I have been on prednisone too long at higher doses and wants to add methotrexate. I am resisting because of the side effects of methotrexate and uncertainty about whether it will control symptoms and I'll just be on another toxic drug. I have been self-monitoring for side effects of prednisone, checking my blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rhythm. I had my eyes checked for glaucoma and cataracts. No real problems. I asked for a DEXA scan for my bones and we will do that. If all these checks for side effects don't turn up anything I will push for staying on just prednisone for a little longer. My rheumatologist would be much more comfortable if I could get to 5 mg. I don't know your health history and your doctor may have valid reasons to get you off prednisone faster. I do not have have significant health problems other than PMR. I'm 72 yo.