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Medrol--small doses

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SectionedThrice
SectionedThrice

I was diagnosed with PMR in Sept, 2014.  Initially I was on Prednisone, 20 mg, then on Medrol, beginning in Feb 2015.  I have been using the wonderful "Dead Slow" reduction plan since October, 2016 beginning with 5 mg Medrol in the AM, and am now at the transition from 2.5 mg to 2 mg.  Having read here that a 10% reduction is recommended, I'm concerned that here in the US, the smallest Medrol tablets are 2 mg, which I cut into quarters, so I have 0.5 mgs dosages. To reduce by 10% from 2.5 mg. I would need 2.25 mg. which I can't really cut.  Anyone have any suggestions or alternatives to get a smaller increment?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • nick67069
    nick67069 SectionedThrice

    Posted

    I think that using slow tapering method is just as helpful...You could extend the transition to even longer periods if you feel that is necessary. Instead of 5/1 sequence, you could use 6/1 or even longer, but 1/2 drops should be small enough for the body to adjust to new dose.
  • EileenH
    EileenH SectionedThrice

    Posted

    Just keep using the Dead Slow pattern - I developed it to take into account some people can't reduce by less than 1mg because their tablets can't be cut. If it is still a bit fast for you, repeat each step once or twice before moving on to the next step. And as nick suggests - start with 1 day new, 7 days old if you weren't already doing so.

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga SectionedThrice

    Posted

    I think being able to get .5 mg from your tablets is good enough.  I have tiny 1 mg regular pred tablets and wouldn't even consider cutting them smaller than 1/2.  I've found a very slow taper has worked, but it did take me more than half a year to get from 3 to 2 by way of 2.5.  Since then, strangely, the taper has become easier and I'm now waiting it out at 1.5 for a few weeks to make sure that's okay before heading down another.5.

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