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C Reactive Protein levels while tapering
When I was first diagnosed with PMR in August 2022, my C reactive protein (CRP) level was elevated: 25 mg/L should be < 7.0 mg/L
I started on 40 mg of prednisone. My monthly CRP tests are much lower: 0.9 mg/L 1.5 mg/L and today's was 1.5 mg/L
After each test, my doctor has reduced my prednisone: 40 mg to 20 mg to 15 mg to 12.5 mg to 10 mg.
I am curious to know what other people are seeing for CRP numbers while tapering.
Thanks
Ginger
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@gingerraspiller, I've had 2 occurrences of PMR and never had monthly follow up CRP and ESR labs after the initial diagnosis. My primary care doc did order the labs when they suspected my PMR came out of remission six years after it went away the first time. There is a similar discussion where members are discussing having monthly labs here:
-- New to PMR - Are Monthly Labs and Check-ups normal?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/doctor-schedule/
Hi @gingerraspiller,
My rheumatologist also checks my CRP and ESR at each appointment. Both were extremely elevated when I was diagnosed (ESR was 74 and CRP was 31). My numbers have slowly decreased during my treatment, although my last appointment both numbers had gone up slightly. I think getting that info helps him to determine my true discomfort and tells the tale on my inflammation. I have been amazed to discover that my numbers really do accurately tell the story about ‘how I am doing’. I am at 16 mg now with many steps to go before I am off prednisone so I am praying that I will be able to taper without ongoing issues. Fingers crossed and thanks for sharing info on your impressive decrease!
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1 ReactionTwo years on prednisone for PMR my CRP has gone up to 25.99. My sed rate has stayed between 68-85. I have been on 10-15 mg prednisone for two years.
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2 ReactionsI tapered down to 5 mg. and my C-RP has gone up to 17.8. Am now increasing prednisone until it goes down again. It is a painful flare-up and I am exhausted.
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2 ReactionsI hardly know how to explain these increases. Myself, mine have gone to normal but I am on 4 anti-inflamatories and methinks they should better go down or something is very wrong. I take sulfasalazine-2 gm a day. (crohn's) MSM 3 gms a day, methylpednisalone, currently 4mg, alternating with 8mg (my rheumy and I had an argument about that) and Low Dose Naltrexone 2 mg at bedtime. I did flare earlier this year, I had had some sort of bug (white count up) and I wasn't on the MSM yet. So I am coming down off of that one. I am undergoing radiation treaments for breast cancer and I try to get extra rest. Already had the lumpectomy, which wasn't bad at all. Count myself as very lucky and the MSM has me imagining that I am "bullet proof" as far as a flare goes. I will let you know if I am right.
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5 ReactionsI have Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). A brief-ish history:
Early June 2025: First symptoms (headaches mostly)
7/10/2025: Began 40mg Prednisone…taper to zero Prednisone over 3+ month period. Off 10/30/2025.
11/26/2025: Biopsy confirmed diagnosis of GCA
11/27/2027: Prednisone @ 50mg
1/8/2026: Taper to 40mg
2/5/2026: Taper to 30mg
2/27/2026: Third set of labs - CRP = < 3 and SED Rate = 2 (previous 1/14 & 1/30 were “normal” also)
3/17/2026: CRP = 31.2 and SED Rate = 22 (Labs ordered due to recent episodes of off-the-chart fatigue)
Rheumatologist is having me repeat labs today (just to be certain) and wants me to increase steroids to 60mg if CRP results are still high.
Any ideas why CRP would spike while on current 30mg Prednisone dose for close to 6 weeks?
I wish I could provide some answers for you, but I have no idea why you would get such a spike in your CRP while on a consistent dose of 30 mg prednisone. I must say that it amazes me how very individual people's experience of PMR and GCA are, and how varied the reactions to prednisone. It must make assessment and treatment difficult for our care providers when responses can be so variable.
@lally Thank you for your reply! BTW, lab results from 3/20/2026: CRP = 40.3 and SED Rate = 25. Not a good trend!! I increased prednisone yesterday to 60mg...will see how that goes.
Not a good trend indeed! Ouch! I'm sorry to hear that. Thank God for prednisone. It has its downside, but when we need it, we really need it. I am praying God's healing and encouragement for you.
On my PMR journey I am trying to figure out how big a part stress plays with my inflammation and pain. Also what else is contributing to the rise in inflammation besides the PMR. Right now I am dealing with a bout of bronchitis and so I am experiencing more pain than usual. Wish I understood my body more. I am trying to pay attention.