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Reducing steroids

Posted , 6 users are following.

barbara73592
barbara73592

I was diagnosed with PMR 1 year ago. As I was in severe pain my GP started me on 30 mg Prednisolone which I now realise was quite a hefty dose to start on. However with the advice of my Rheumatogist I have managed to taper quite successfully to now being on 7mg. Following the advice of other sufferers I reduced at my own pace and not what some GPs say. My question is : do others suffer on the 1mg tablets. I am ok on the 5mg but the minute I introduce the 1 mg my tummy really plays up with discomfort and pain? Do the coated tablets help? So far I have not asked my GP for these as I know they are reluctant because of the cost compared to the U coated ones.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH barbara73592

    Posted

    If you are in the UK (and to get enteric coated you need to be, not available anywhere else) the price difference between plain and enteric coated is minimal - it wasn't once upon a time but when the NHS said not to use enteric coated the manufacturers changed the price so there was far less difference! 

    30 enteric coated tablets cost £1.86

    30 plain tablets cost £1.31

    30 tablets of omeprasole cost £1.86

    So a bit of simple arithmetic shows that enteric coated are actually cheaper than plain plus omeprazole. And for each prescription there is a dispensing fee - so two for plain plus omeprazole, one for enteric coated. And one less layer of side effects (far more important than a minor difference in price.

    There is now a 1mg version of the enteric coated, yellow in colour  - google "1mg gastroresistant prednisolone" to get the details. An independent chemist should be able to find it for you - don't be put off, shop around.

    If you can't find them - using the Dead Slow approach does work for 2.5mg steps providing you at least double each step.

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/reducing-pred-dead-slow-and-nearly-stop-method-531439

    • barbara73592
      barbara73592 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen. I am in the Uk and will follow your advice re the 1mg enteric coated tablets. It's worth a try to minimise the side effects of tummy discomfort I am experiencing. I am already on Lansoprazole.

    • EileenH
      EileenH barbara73592

      Posted

      And try taking the tablets with yoghurt - plain Greek is good...
    • barbara73592
      barbara73592 EileenH

      Posted

      I do take Yeo valley Greek yoghurt Eileen as advised on earlier posts from patients and find it a good 'liner' for the tummy. As suggested I take it first thing before tablets. 

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