How long can a PMR flare list after going abruptly off a medication?

Posted by lindaadele @lindaadele, 3 days ago

I have gone off methotrexate abruptly after taking it for three months. Right now I have a PMR flare and I’m wondering how long of flare can list and what’s the best thing to do when you have a flare and your joints hurt quite a bit other than take strong medication as I cannot take most of those medication’s. Thank you very much for your response!

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

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

@lindaadele, I'm not a doctor but I'm pretty sure that no one can really say how long a PMR flare will last after stopping treatment with methotrexate abruptly. There is another discussion on your question that you might want to scan through to see what other members have said.
-- Weaning off of all medicine - prednisone and methotrexate: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weaning-off-of-all-medicine-prednisone-and-methotrexate/

Have you discussed it with your doctor or rheumatologist?

lindaadele | @lindaadele | 3 days ago

My rheumatologist only wanted to give me more medication’s even though I have dizziness and no good results from any medication sthat I have taken so far because my body can’t handle any of these medication’s. Thank you so so much for reaching out to me I appreciate it!!!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago

In reply to @lindaadele "My rheumatologist only wanted to give me more medication’s even though I have dizziness and no..." + (show)

If you haven't yet looked at diet and lifestyle changes you can make to help with your PMR symptoms, you might find these discussions helpful:
-- Anti-inflammatory diet and supplements for PMR
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anti-inflammatory-diet-and-supplements-for-pmr/
-- PMR Diet: Foods to eat and avoid
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diet-and-pmr/

tuckerp | @tuckerp | 3 days ago

I would agree with John. Everyone is different and it would be hard to say how long the PMR may last. Are you taking prednisone? The right dose of Prednisone fixes PMR symptoms. However the side effects of taking prednisone can be severe. MTX is an RA type drug to treat inflammation. It works on some people and does not work on others. MTX is usually the first line of defense. If it doesnt work they go to something else. Like the newer biologics. Some have had success with LDN. All these drugs are prescribed to help with the PMR so you can taper off prednisone. There are dozens of these drugs. I would say keep trying to find one that works. Any of them are better than a extended period of time on prednisone. It sounds like your Dr. is on the right path. In the meantime John has some excellent suggestions.