Prednisone Taper from 40 mg to 7.5 in one day ‘

Posted by issyb @issyb, Mar 20, 2023

My doctor wants me to reduce my 40 mg of prednisone to 7.5 mg
I feel like that is an awful big drop ! Has anyone else experienced this? I have been on 40 mg for one month..
does this sound right to anyone? I thought you’re supposed to taper very slowly

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.

tillysam | @tillysam | Mar 21, 2023

In reply to @issyb "Thank you for your reply I have a call into her" + (show)

Yes, healthunlocked.com gives advice from people( not doctors ) but they have knowledge that most doctors have no idea about. Most rheumatologists do not see enough GCA/ PMR patients. It is very difficult to find a rheumatologist that is versed in these diseases where I live.

issyb | @issyb | Mar 21, 2023

In reply to @tillysam "Yes, healthunlocked.com gives advice from people( not doctors ) but they have knowledge that most doctors..." + (show)

I just joined the group
Healthunlocked.com
Thank you 🙏

1yoganurse | @1yoganurse | Mar 24, 2023

Definitely not! Your doctor is an idiot. You taper down …see another doctor

mary4 | @mary4 | Mar 25, 2023

That taper sounds bizarre and a recipe for a relapse. New Doctor who knows something about PMR would be great, and Health Unlocked is a great additional resource.

issyb | @issyb | Mar 25, 2023

Thanks I agree
Thanks for taking the time to reply

Linda Moross | @lmoross | Mar 26, 2023

Way too fast! I fear you will have a flare. Please try to get a second opinion.

issyb | @issyb | Mar 26, 2023

Yes I agree ! Thanks for your response

issyb | @issyb | Apr 24, 2023

The exact same thing happened to me I was on 40 mg and she reduced me to 7.5. I too thought that was a drastic drop, but I went along with it anyway and my inflammation markers rose immediately. The reason she did this is she said that she was treating me for PMR but my biopsy came back and I had GCA as well so I went back up to 40 mg
Hope this helps

sheralee | @sheralee | Apr 24, 2023

That's not right. Therapy is like a year. But to safely wean they say 2.5 mg per week!

loyal | @loyal | Apr 25, 2023

I have been on prednisone for 13 months. I have tapered slowly on purpose from 10 mg to 1/2 mg now for a week. My hands have been sore and swollen for 3 months. Do you think the swelling and soreness is from PMR or something else?