1mg prednisolone

Well done for getting odwn to 1 mg. So far i have got down to 4 then back to 5mg which i am on at the moment. I asked my doctor for 1mh tablets but he said no as they were not enteric coated and said take 2.5mg every other day or adjust accordingy. I actually cut them in half not exactly an easy thing as they are so small. I would prefer 1mg uncoated and take it with yogurt. Also how long have you had polymyalga as I am interested how long before I can hope/expect to reduce. I know this illness is different for different people.

Good luck with reduction and let me know how you get on

Linda

I am taking 4mg in 1mg with no apparant side effects I always take probiotic tablets but have also started on Actimel as a precaution as well I have had my 2nd bout of PMR since October last year and have also struggled to get down to 4mg from 5mg I think this is 4th or 5th attemot When I had it last time I was down to 2mg by now with good results So even in the same person it doesent follow the same course !! Very frustrating I take not of every twinge which I am sure if I didnt have PMR I would just put down to overdoing it or old age

I have only had Polymyalga for 18 months so I suppose am doing well on 5mg but am inpatient to get off., but am still having some aches and pains so take pain relief, cannot try and go below 5mg until pain free. Have had one or two relapses up to 10 then 7 etc. Seem to have stabilised on 5mg for now

Good luck and let me k now how it goes always good to hear someone reducing.

Linda

Hello Chammer - I have recently reduced to 3mgs and have been advised by my Pharmacist that when I get down even lower there is a liquid Prednisolone available. I am wondering if this may be kinder on the stomach but you'd have to check this out with your GP. I don't know whether some GPs would be reluctant to prescribe it though as I believe it is more expensive.

Also, I have recently started taking a 2.5 tablet and cutting a 1mg tablet in half to make my daily 3 so that I can reduce any possible stomach side effects as I am unable to take the stomach protection tablets - you can purchase a pill cutter from the pharmacy. Like Linda, I also take a live yoghurt to line the stomach and I have been doing so for almost 3 years before taking the pills. The yoghurt I take is organic, natural and fat-free (watching the waistline!!!)

Incidentally, although it is quite safe to cut the 1mg tablets in half, the coated tablets should never be cut. Good luck with the next reduction.

MrsO

Chammer

Your GP can prescribe a gastro inhibitor, there are two or three types. I take Lansoprozole.

As Mrs O has said, you should never cut coated tablets. Coated tablets dissolve in a different place from the non-enteric coated. Cutting them causes problems with your stomach and lowers their effect.

I know other people on this site and others recommend cutting - but there is always a good reason for being told not to.

Check it out with your Pharmacist.

Thanks to everyone for the very helpful advice.

I was given PMR has a diagnosis in January this year but I had been feeling very unwell for several months previous.

I asked my Doctor yesterday about taking a gastro inhibitor prior to taking uncoated tablets but he wants me to see how I cope without first.Initially I am taking 2x1mg for 1 month and then 1 mg for the next month.I have now on your advice got in a supply of organic natural yoghurts to have before I take the tablets.

Thanks once again every one for all you help, I will let you know how I get on.

Chammer