Posted , 2 users are following.
I am taking Prednisone, Plaquenil, and Meloxicam. I have been instructed to eliminate these one by one over a 3 month period before starting Enbrel. Has anyone been through a faster transition? I'm concerned about joint damage, pain, and fatigue in the meantime before Enbrel takes effect.
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EileenH donna36043
Posted
Have they told you to taper the dose or just to stop? In the case of prednisone you really do need to taper slowly or you will cause other problems - while you are on doses of pred above about 7mg/day your adrenal glands go into hibernation as their contribution of the natural corticosteroid called cortisol isn't required. They need a staged return to work - so dropping the dose in small steps over the entire 3 months will be best. Depending on the dose you have been on and how long it MAY take longer. It is something you can't rush.
I don't know about the other two - but I imagine you don't have to taper them in the same way.
donna36043 EileenH
Posted
Thanks. I can accept that. There just has to be a better way with the other two. I can't fathom being, in effect, without treatment for any period and possibly losing function in the meantime!