Some relapses while on Prednisone

Posted by mjdcl57 @mjdcl57, Apr 17 10:29am

I've been on a low dose of prednisone for about a month (20 MG), once daily. Works great - felt like a new man. Then I suddenly had a bit of a relapse. I checked to be sure I didn't miss a dose (and I hadn't).

This is the first day of not feeling very well. Anyone else have a 'backsliding' day like this? I have my fingers crossed that's it a weird glitch and nothing more.

Good health to all!

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

Mike | @dadcue | Apr 17 2:53pm

Probably not a glitch. Relapses of PMR are are very common when treated with Prednisone. The rapid relief from pain that Prednisone provides is great but because of relapses it is difficult to taper off Prednisone. Relapses are more common at doses less than 10 mg though.

I had many relapses during my 12 years on Prednisone for PMR. It didn't matter how slowly I tapered. There were some things that seemed to "trigger" a relapse. Unfortunately the triggers were unavoidable so I had little control over when I relapsed.

I was able to taper off prednisone after Actemra (tocilizumab) was started. I don't relapse anymore. PMR "recurs" when Actemra is stopped but it isn't like a sudden relapse of symptoms.