1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

PMR Dosages and Managing Symptoms

Posted by maryft @maryft, Aug 16, 2021

I've read through the discussions and note all the different dosages of prednisone, different lengths of time taking prednisone, plus the addition of other meds, for PMR. I also note that the tapering of dosages and time frames are so varied from person to person. It appears there is not a set standard among physicians. How does one know if they were/are receiving the right dosage? Obviously, if symptoms subside, the dose is working, but after tapering if the symptoms return, was the initial dosage correct? I've also read that a person shouldn't be on prednisone long term, but there are many who've been on it for a few years. Its all very confusing.

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napapos | @napapos | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @chzuck "I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer..." + (show)
@chzuck

I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer taking all 10mgs in the morning. After do the split dosage for almost a month, I notice no difference than taking it all in the morning.
Currently I am being tested to see if I can take Methotrexate. Prednisone has given me thin skin on the top of both arms. I bruise and get my skin torn so easy and have become so frustrated due to that and requested other treatment so I can get off or lower my Prednisone dose. Would like to hear of others who have gone on Methotrexate or who have dealt with thin skin. I would also like to hear from those who have tried split doses and taking the whole dose at one time.

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Chzuck,
I am currently on 5mg per day taking it in the morning. I have taken it your way, am/pm, and now I am taking 7.5 mg meloxicam in the pm to ward of night pain. My prednisone seems to wear off quickly. Maybe just me.
5 mg is not doing the trick. Will discuss next Wednesday with rheumatologist. Hope you get it worked out.
I have the same thin skin issue on my arms but I don’t believe it is caused by the prednisone. I had it long before I started prednisone for my PMR.
Blessings

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1 reply
pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @chzuck "I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer..." + (show)
@chzuck

I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer taking all 10mgs in the morning. After do the split dosage for almost a month, I notice no difference than taking it all in the morning.
Currently I am being tested to see if I can take Methotrexate. Prednisone has given me thin skin on the top of both arms. I bruise and get my skin torn so easy and have become so frustrated due to that and requested other treatment so I can get off or lower my Prednisone dose. Would like to hear of others who have gone on Methotrexate or who have dealt with thin skin. I would also like to hear from those who have tried split doses and taking the whole dose at one time.

Jump to this post

chzuck, I can relate to your concerns. In the beginning I was splitting my dose thinking the evening dose would alleviate the morning pain but when I got down to a very low dose it was hard to decide whether to taper the morning or evening dose. I am currently taking an 8mg morning dose.
3 yrs ago I had a very nasty lower leg laceration requiring 12 stitches. It did not heal well at all. I made an appt at the local hospital wound care center. I felt great relief walking out of there that day. For a few weeks I used a xeroform guaze dressing and it then healed nicely. You may need a Dr prescription to purchase it, at least get Dr advice before using it.
I have tried a few different skin lotions to help with the crepey skin. Daily use, esp on my arms, seems to help.
As far as mtx, it has been recommended to me but I am still debating with myself that decision.
suzanne

REPLY
1 reply
pkalkstein | @pkalkstein | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @chzuck "I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer..." + (show)
@chzuck

I am currently on 10mg split between am and pm per my doctor. I would prefer taking all 10mgs in the morning. After do the split dosage for almost a month, I notice no difference than taking it all in the morning.
Currently I am being tested to see if I can take Methotrexate. Prednisone has given me thin skin on the top of both arms. I bruise and get my skin torn so easy and have become so frustrated due to that and requested other treatment so I can get off or lower my Prednisone dose. Would like to hear of others who have gone on Methotrexate or who have dealt with thin skin. I would also like to hear from those who have tried split doses and taking the whole dose at one time.

Jump to this post

I had no skin problems before starting prednisone for PMR. But I bruise and tear very easily now. I asked my dermatologist if there was anything I could do to help the thinning skin. "Nope," was what he said, with an expression both amused and pained.

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @pkalkstein "I had no skin problems before starting prednisone for PMR. But I bruise and tear very..." + (show)
@pkalkstein

I had no skin problems before starting prednisone for PMR. But I bruise and tear very easily now. I asked my dermatologist if there was anything I could do to help the thinning skin. "Nope," was what he said, with an expression both amused and pained.

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@pkalkstein, I started taking an organic collagen supplement mixed with my morning coffee a few years ago and it does seem to be helping some with my thin skin. It definitely helps my fingernails and what hair I have left. I still bruise easily though.

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chzuck | @chzuck | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @pmrsuzie "chzuck, I can relate to your concerns. In the beginning I was splitting my dose thinking..." + (show)
@pmrsuzie

chzuck, I can relate to your concerns. In the beginning I was splitting my dose thinking the evening dose would alleviate the morning pain but when I got down to a very low dose it was hard to decide whether to taper the morning or evening dose. I am currently taking an 8mg morning dose.
3 yrs ago I had a very nasty lower leg laceration requiring 12 stitches. It did not heal well at all. I made an appt at the local hospital wound care center. I felt great relief walking out of there that day. For a few weeks I used a xeroform guaze dressing and it then healed nicely. You may need a Dr prescription to purchase it, at least get Dr advice before using it.
I have tried a few different skin lotions to help with the crepey skin. Daily use, esp on my arms, seems to help.
As far as mtx, it has been recommended to me but I am still debating with myself that decision.
suzanne

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What is esp?

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1 reply
pmrsuzie | @pmrsuzie | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @chzuck "What is esp?" + (show)
@chzuck

What is esp?

Jump to this post

esp= should have typed out "especially"
My crepey skin is mostly on my arms. I use something different on my face. A good moisturizing lotion helps in my opinion.

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1 reply
chzuck | @chzuck | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @pmrsuzie "esp= should have typed out "especially" My crepey skin is mostly on my arms. I use..." + (show)
@pmrsuzie

esp= should have typed out "especially"
My crepey skin is mostly on my arms. I use something different on my face. A good moisturizing lotion helps in my opinion.

Jump to this post

I do try to use Vaseline Intensive Care regularly and wear sleeves and gloves when working in the garage or outside.

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maggie14 | @maggie14 | Aug 25, 2023

My skin is very thin and tears and bruises easily. I had been putting it down to old age but likely also the MTX.

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1 reply
chzuck | @chzuck | Aug 31, 2023
In reply to @maggie14 "My skin is very thin and tears and bruises easily. I had been putting it down..." + (show)
@maggie14

My skin is very thin and tears and bruises easily. I had been putting it down to old age but likely also the MTX.

Jump to this post

I am being evaluated for MTX and am concerned that I will only be trading one evil for another. I was hoping getting on MTX and greatly reducing Prednisone would make the thin skin condition better. From what you say, that is not the case.

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1 reply
maggie14 | @maggie14 | Aug 31, 2023

I saw my rheumy yesterday and was so upset that he wants to increase MTX that I forgot to ask about the skin issue. It is not severe if I'd stop bumping into things. LOL
If it gets worse when I go on injected MTX I'll call him. I am 79 so skin is naturally thinner.

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