Is it safe to get the Corona Virus (COVID-19) vaccine with PMR?

I developed symptoms and was diagnosed with PMR after my second Moderna vaccine. Had absolutely no issues prior to the vaccine- my rheumatologist agrees it was the trigger.

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No Covid, no previous auto immune problems. Pain began in arm where Inreceived second shot. First I thought it was just a normal reaction but pain intensified and spread to shoulder and across to my other arm and shoulder over a two week period. I also had stiffness in arms,shoulders and hips. Progressed to where I couldn’t turn in bed, pull off the covers, pull up my pants or underwear. My second shot was February 15, Got diagnosed with PMR by rheumatologist April 6 ,started Prednisone with improvement. Last week also told I have RA and Plaquenel was added. I hope my story helps!

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I got the 1st dose of Moderna on 1/22/21 and within several days experienced severe inflammation in shoulders and hips. Diagnosis was PMR with SED rates @ 50. I fit the profile for PMR (female, late 60's, of Northern European descent), but I feel it was definitely triggered by the vaccine. Neither my Rheumatologist nor my primary physician knew whether to recommend I take the 2nd dose of Moderna, so I haven't. The catch is that I know the prednisone reduces my immunity, and I guess with only 1 part of the Moderna therapy I may have a lesser degree of immunity to the virus.
Have been taking prednisone 2x daily since then, trying to reduce it from 40 mg/day and am now at 22.5mg/day. My reactions to the prednisone seem worse than to the PMR, but my Rheumatology doctor hasn't been able to see me since I saw him in mid February. I am suffering shortness of breath, my face is very swollen, my eyes bother me, my skull feels swollen. I was reducing prednisone every 5 days, but my SED rate increased from my post original therapy of 50 to 22 with Rx, and to 41 during that period when I was reducing it. Pain was not too remarkable in the process though I could feel that shoulder pain was beginning by the time I woke up each day. Since then, on basis of SED rate, I was told to stop reducing prednisone until I could get my first follow up appointment since diagnosis. I'm uncomfortable with the prednisone and really want it reduced as quickly as possible.

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Hello @terrydeg and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for joining this discussion and sharing your experience with others. I see that @avmcbellar and @sueinmn have joined as well to welcome you and provide support.

What changed with your symptoms between your PMR diagnosis and you receiving the RA diagnosis?

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I just posted yesterday about my reaction to the Moderna vaccine in January.My shoulders and hips became severely inflamed within a few days, and after a consult with my primary he started me on 20mg prednisone each morning and night. That Rx and dosage are having worrisome side effects -- shortness of breath, moon face, muscle weakness, etc and I'd like to know if there are people who have been reducing their prednisone (how fast) and what their reactions and side effects are? I was reducing mine 2.5 mg every 5-7 days and my SED rate jumped 20 within that period while I was cutting it back. I've been on hold at this point (13.5mg day and 10mg Prednisone at night) while waiting several weeks for a follow up with my rheumatologist who has only seen me for the initial diagnostic visit back in February. Can anyone else tell me about what to expect when cutting back on Prednisone? I'm wondering if the cure may be worse than the PMR?

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I received my second Pfizer vaccine on April 16th. I am currently down to 5mgs of Prednisone a day. First shot didn't bother me (just a sore arm). Second shot, arm was sore for 3 days. Had my normal two month blood work this past Thursday (April 29th). Sediment rate is up to 36 from 22 at the end of March. My finger joints are hurting, shoulders hurting slightly. Don't know if I am starting a flare or what. Not due to see Rheumatologist until June.

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I just posted yesterday about my reaction to the Moderna vaccine in January.My shoulders and hips became severely inflamed within a few days, and after a consult with my primary he started me on 20mg prednisone each morning and night. That Rx and dosage are having worrisome side effects -- shortness of breath, moon face, muscle weakness, etc and I'd like to know if there are people who have been reducing their prednisone (how fast) and what their reactions and side effects are? I was reducing mine 2.5 mg every 5-7 days and my SED rate jumped 20 within that period while I was cutting it back. I've been on hold at this point (13.5mg day and 10mg Prednisone at night) while waiting several weeks for a follow up with my rheumatologist who has only seen me for the initial diagnostic visit back in February. Can anyone else tell me about what to expect when cutting back on Prednisone? I'm wondering if the cure may be worse than the PMR?

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No, the prednisone effects can be irritating, but full blown PMR is incapacitating and only prednisone controls it. You are cutting down very fast, which may be ok given the high dosage you’re on. Guidelines published by rheumatologists suggests a beginning dosage of 20 mg per day. Given your moon face and muscle weakness, you may be able to scale back further. THE KEY IS TO TAKE AS LITTLE PREDNISONE AS CONTROLS YOUR PMR SYMPTOMS. Everyone is different, so you have to find your sweet spot and then taper very slowly. I’m currently on 3 mg after 28 months and two flares. I go down, if all is well, a half mg every two weeks and that is considered fast by some. Stick with it and you will find equilibrium with the Rx and the PMR.

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