Starting Humira for AS and told to taper steroids quickly....really?!
Posted , 7 users are following.
I am on a 3 month trial of Humira for AS and have been told that after 2 weeks I should start reducing my steroids by 1mg a week. I am worried on two counts. One the effect of Humira on my immune system but feel I have to try it at least but second is the recommended reduction too quick? I know the point of going onto Humira is to get me off the steriods which they are worried about for my Osteoporosis but surely after nearly 2.5 years this is too quick? I have enough steroids to do what I want so would like to know what you think. Eileen your advice would be very much appreciated.
0 likes, 13 replies
EileenH elizabeth40672
Posted
elizabeth40672 EileenH
Posted
EileenH elizabeth40672
Posted
elizabeth40672 EileenH
Posted
So you think I should stick with slow reduction and I agree. I've been told to book an appointment to see rheumy in 3 months time. If I continue with slow reduction I will be getting closer to 5mg anyway. I wont change my pattern but if what they are saying is right I should be able to get really low or even off pred if it is AS and not PMR. As they are still not 100% sure I would be daft to reduce pred fast and upset things at this stage. Thanks for your advice as always Eileen very useful!
EileenH elizabeth40672
Posted
That really is my opinion - I do hope you can persuade them to let you keep going at your pace. I can't remember what my friend whose PMR was overturned in favour of AS did - I think the reduction to 7mg was speedy and then she slowed down. Good luck
sharon35553 EileenH
Posted
sorry to be such a pest. Had all blood work done yesterday and this morning started 5 mil of pred, after three hours groin and leg pains were gone, left shoulder pain gone but oddly my right side of neck and shoulder still very achy.
cant see Dr unti July 6.
my question is should I stay at the 5 another day or up it to maybe 7 or more tomorrow. And see if it works any better.
I had done the dead slow taper when I ended the pred two months and I remember having stayed at the 5 mil for about six weeks and felt good but now not sure zig I need a jolt of a higher dose to start again and then work my way down.
Anhaga sharon35553
Posted
Michdonn sharon35553
Posted
Do not reduce if you have pain and let the inflammation get ahead of you.
Good luck think positive and try to smile, I know it sounds crazy, but I think it helps. ☺️
sharon35553 Michdonn
Posted
Thank you Michdonn,
Im done shedding tears through the pain, I'm doing exactly as you said. When I wake tomorrow I'll see how I feel and then decided what to do, if needed I'll up the dose to7 mil and see how that goes.
I don't there's there's harm to doing it this way and hopefully Ill see an improvement.
Thank you again for your kind words.
Michdonn sharon35553
Posted
EileenH sharon35553
Posted
sharon35553 elizabeth40672
Posted
have been on prednisone for three years and finally tapered to zero on April 2 and now going back to a low maintenance dose,lies it is not good for the bones but in my case life is nothing but days of agony.
Im sure Eileen with have great advice for you.
Good luck.
Sharyn
elizabeth40672 sharon35553
Posted