Fast Prednisone taper?

Hi Terri @rocksology, That's a tough one to deal with, especially when you don't have a rheumatologist to discuss any concerns. I'm guessing the difficult part is dealing with the return of pain with a reduction of the prednisone. There is another discussion where members also have asked about alternative treatments for PMR that might be helpful - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-to-prednisone/.

@dadcue may have some thoughts from his experience to share with you. Have you talked with your doctor to see if they have any suggestions for an alternative medication that doesn't impact your heart and kidney issues but will still help with the PMR symptoms?

@rocksology

You appear to have several symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Hoping you are aware that this can quickly devolve into adrenal crisis, which is extremely serious and requires a quick trip to the ER. You need to find a doctor now that can deal with the totality of the situation properly. Good luck.

I agree with @rocksology. You probably need to go back up some on your prednisone dose and then taper more slowly. Also you should read up on sick day rules for secondary adrenal insufficiency. That involves taking extra prednisone if and when you have an illness with fever or an infection.

More for @rocksology

You might try googling “rheumatologist telehealth” if you cannot find help locally.

I’m wondering, has anyone successfully tapered by 1mg instead of .5 , specifically when your dose is less than 7mg?

I have been tapering from 5mg, 1mg at a time. I went down to 4mg for 5 weeks and now I am on 3mg and I started 3 two weeks ago. I am getting some pain but nothing severe, only had to take Advil once. I am planning on staying at 3 for 6 weeks and then try going down to 2mg.

@jlipari That’s great! I hope I get a get a similar result. Thanks for the feedback,

You may not be getting much pain if your PMR has desisted and the inflammation it causes has gone. That would be a great result, and the minor pain you are getting may be simply from withdrawal. But the issue of adrenal insufficiency and the potential for adrenal crisis always remains at the low pred doses if you have been taking the medication for a long period. How long were you taking 5 mg or higher?

This is very good advice.

More good advice!