Same thing with me. My side effects from prednisone were awful but I got used to them. I had all of the things you mentioned.

I was reading stuff on another forum that said, "prednisone side effects can be managed if you know how." I was never sure how to manage my side effects but my doctors prescribed many additional medications for my blood pressure, cholesterol level, and intraocular eye pressures. Those things were asymptomatic so I wasn't even aware of those problems. I needed cataract surgery at an early age. As a tall, well built male, those bone scans were embarrassing because I didn't look like I would have osteoporosis.

I took prednisone for more than 12 years for PMR. The advice on the other forum was that I should taper slower and increase my dose whenever I had some pain. After Actemra was started, the other forum criticized my doctors for prescribing Actemra for PMR. I had no idea, Actemra would be controversial.

I have been completely off prednisone for a couple of years and only take Actemra to control my pain. I'm happy that my rheumatologist wanted to target my case of PMR with Actemra. I was able to taper off prednisone rather quickly.

I don't seem to have any side effects from Actemra. My prednisone side effects are improving now. Adrenal insufficiency isn't much of a concern anymore.

My rheumatologist said the way the body responds to prednisone is far more complicated than simply managing the symptoms of PMR. My having other autoimmune problems in addition to PMR, made it more complicated.