Is it ok to drop 5mg of pred was on 20mg for 10 weeks
Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi everyone, I had my first appointment today since diagnosis of PMR in November and am currently on 20mg pred. Was at endocrinology today and after taking some details and examination I have been referred to Reumatologist (which should have been in the first place). Consultant I seen today suggested I go down from 20mg to 15mg but to work it out with my gp (who I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon) to tweak it up or down just to see how things go until I see Reumy. Is reduction of 5mg too much at start. I know everyone is different. I shall just have to wait and see how I fair but am going to ask my gp tomorrow to prescribe me 1mgs of pred, so I can manage not to drastically. Also gound out today that ESR rates also goes by age it does not have to be below 10. Apparantly 19 is fine for my age, only turned 60. Any enlightment will be welcome. Also a thanks in advance.
2 likes, 30 replies
shawn99 pat38625
Posted
I am the same age, and like you I was on 20 mg of prednisone and wanted to reduce ASAP. I tried to drop 5 mg in one shot and it "didn't" work. I had a flare up and had to start over again.
I then went to a 1 mg reduction in every two weeks down to 15 mg and was successful.
Getting a further reduction from 15 mg at that rate did not work, and another flare up occurred. So I then used the posted reduction plan that I believe Eileen had submitted on this blog and things are going much better. Saying all that, everyone is different, so what works for me might not work for you.
I am continually having bloodwork done (once a month) which helps to some degree in determining the amount of prednisone I need and the success of the reduction program.
My specialist is very understanding and suggests new ideas along with listening to my queries and proposals for reducing medications.
I hope your Doctor listens and you are able to move forward.
Shawn
pat38625 shawn99
Posted
I know everyone is different but as Mrs O says to drop by 5mgs is a big drop and you have also said it didn't work for you. I am too long in the tooth now to be messing with meds up and down, I think the people on this forum are better when giving advice/support and I would listen to them first but also take control myself and see what works for me. Thanks again much appreciated.
EileenH pat38625
Posted
The whole thing, explaining the background to the plan MrsO has posted is in posts 5 or 6 of the thread this link will take you to.
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-and-other-website-addresses-35316
pat38625 EileenH
Posted
I know we are all different but I would prefer to listen to yourself and others because you all have the experience below your belt and drs differ all the time which doesn't help, It just becomes more confusing. That's the last thing I need is more confusion.
ann57025 pat38625
Posted
cheers
Ann G
MrsO-UK_Surrey ann57025
Posted
A few of us have tried/are trying very very slow reduction methods. I didn't have need of such a slow method.....until I reached 5mg! I had to increase back from 3mg to 10mg and by the time I reached back down to 5mg I had read of a Swedish gentleman's (Ragnar) slow tapering regime from 5mg when he had also found it impossible to reduce below 5mg. I followed his regime but at even more of a snail's pace. IT WORKED! I came off steroids just over 2 years ago.
Eileen is having success following a similar pattern and her plan can be found on the home page of this discussion group, under the pinned threads. For ease, I copy it below:
1 day new dose, 6 days old dose
1 day new dose, 5 days old dose
1 day new dose, 4 days old dose
1 day new dose, 3 days old dose
1 day new dose, 2 days old dose
1 day new dose, 1 day old dose
1 day old dose, 2 days new dose
1 day old dose, 3 days new dose
1 day old dose, 4 days new dose
1 day old dose, 5 days new dose
1 day old dose, 6 days new dose
By that stage if I feel OK I feel safe to go all new dose. I suppose you might be OK starting and stopping at "1 day new, 4 days old"
EileenH ann57025
Posted
The whole thing, explaining the background to the plan MrsO has posted is in posts 5 or 6 of the thread this link will take you to.
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-and-other-website-addresses-35316
pat38625 ann57025
Posted
erika59785 pat38625
Posted
pat38625 erika59785
Posted
Pat
tina-uk_cwall pat38625
Posted
Also, I'm so glad that the more experienced members warned you off such a large reduction after I had said that it probably would be fine if you did! I can't believe I could have been so irresponsible. I'm so pleased you didn't take my advise because if you had of had a flare up I could never have forgiven myself. So good luck with all your future reductions, I on the other hand will stick to what I am good at which is knitting mittens and baking cup cakes! Regards, christina
pat38625 tina-uk_cwall
Posted
I like knitting and have so many unfinished projects but will get back to it sometime. You have a good day.
Pat
tina-uk_cwall pat38625
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pat38625 tina-uk_cwall
Posted
Pat