PMR Flare

Posted by judyal @judyal, Sep 1 7:19am

Haven't had a flare of PMR since 2019 but won't forget the pain. I think I'm having one now, but couldn't get an appt w/Rheum. PA for another week. (already been 4wks.) I'm sure they will do blood work to confirm. It seems to travel and affect arms, lower back, thighs/hips and other major muscles so I'm sure it has returned. I've been applying heat in the morning, but it only helps a little and even getting out of bed is a struggle. Anyone use OTC meds to help w/pain and if so, which ones?

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

tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Sep 1 8:59am

Try Tylenol for Arthritis, my Rehum put me on it . 🤞

seniormed | @seniormed | Sep 1 9:24am

Ibuprofen and naproxen are OTC and might help with the inflammation.
I usually take NSAIDs with a meal.

judyal | @judyal | Sep 1 11:16am

In reply to @tweetypie13 "Try Tylenol for Arthritis, my Rehum put me on it . 🤞" + (show)

Thank you!

judyal | @judyal | Sep 1 11:17am

In reply to @seniormed "Ibuprofen and naproxen are OTC and might help with the inflammation. I usually take NSAIDs with..." + (show)

Okay, thanks.

urusvati | @urusvati | Sep 2 2:40pm

In reply to @seniormed "Ibuprofen and naproxen are OTC and might help with the inflammation. I usually take NSAIDs with..." + (show)

Hi, seniormed! You haven't said if you are currently taking prednisone, too. I have read that NSAIDS and prednisone should be separated by about 6 hours. Talk with your doctor and/or pharmacist.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=taking+nsaids+with+prednisone&FORM=R5FD6
Some research warns not take NSAIDS together with pred at all. If I am in a lot of pain (especially when on a tapering dose), I will take ibuprofin with a 6-hour gap with no ill effects.

terrym | @terrym | Sep 4 6:16am

Can you call in to request a prednisone 6 pack from either your rheumy or your primary care? If that knocks out the pain it probably is a flare. Since you've had a history of PMR I would think they could get that filled for you.

Good luck!

mark2471 | @mark2471 | Sep 4 7:33am

In reply to @terrym "Can you call in to request a prednisone 6 pack from either your rheumy or your..." + (show)

Exactly. I had the same situation a couple of years ago. The acute/urgent care NP was happy to start me back on prednisone via video visit and obtained an urgent electronic consultation with the rheumatologist via the medical records system. Best wishes for speedy improvement.

edithmary | @edithmary | 2 days ago

Hello, friends. I have had PMR since late October 2023, and have been on methylprednisolone (because prednisone didn't work) since late November. Currently (Sept 2025) I have been down to 2 mg a day, which is a little difficult since the smallest tablets come in tiny 4 mg format, and it is difficult to get an accurate cut. Anyway, I thought I was doing well on this for about 3 weeks, so thought to go down to 1 mg (so far as I can do 1/4 tablet--it's hard to be accurate) for 2 days, then 2 mg for a day, and so on. Unfortunately, I felt ill after doing this twice--more pain, hot face, etc, and so on the weekend took 3 mg to ease things. That helped, but then today I went back to 2 mg. Is it possible that I am not actually flaring, but having withdrawal symptoms. My lips are "buzzy", my face is hot, and I am stiff when I sit for too long.

I don't want to overdo the acetaminophen, but these really do help. Once or twice I have taken a naproxen, but I know that is not a good idea. Any thoughts out there? should I just "tough it out" and see what happens after a few weeks, or should I go back to alternating 3-2-3 like I was. I had the goal of being off all this by Thanksgiving.