How do I know when it is the right time to wean from Prednisone and what series of steps should I take to wean from 5 mg of Prednisone? (I have Polymyalgia Rhematica)

orange

You should really consult your physician about this one. I used to take prednisone for severe asthma, and 5 mg a day is not a very high dose (I was taking 50 mg and sometimes more), but it's still very dangerous to stop prednisone on your own, for various reasons. So you really need close supervision by a doctor.

gatnus

Thanks for your answer. My doctor told me I could stop 5 mg immediately as the body will make up for it but my numerous readings question my doctor's advice and I think I should cut back very slowly.

orange

Is your pill graded, I mean, can it be cut in half? Because if so you could try cutting it in half and taking 2.5 mg a day for a few days before stopping all together. However, if your doctor says it's okay to stop, it probably is. Like I said 5 mg is a comparatively small dosage. It also depends on how long you have been taking prednisone. If you've been taking it for only a week or less you can stop.

gatnus

Unfortunately I have been on prednisone for almost 3 years........it is for this reason I can very concerned about how to wean off it from 5 mg. (My highest dose was 25 mg)

Thanks for your reply

fredg

Hi,
If you are not happy with your particular doctor's advice, then please see a different doctor. You might get another Professional opinion on how to go about it.
Happy New Year, and I do wish you the best.

Chery

Prednisone is in the steroid category and should not have been administered unless no other medication worked. In my opinion, the current doctor just did not want to deal with the extensive trying and ruling out the proper medication for you. What you have is a type of 'soft tissue' arthritis and it could have been handled with other meds. I know this because I have this condition and also debilitating arthritis and have refused steroids since I think it's still too early in my life to take that 'last step' if nothing else works. I would definitely see another doctor, preferably a Rheumatologist and let him find the proper regimen of meds for you to take, and also the exercises you can do to regain some power over your own body. Since you were on a higher dosage, and now on the lowest, you could either cut then in half and take 2.5 mg for two weeks, then stop - but never without being under doctor's supervision. It is possible, and the sooner you get off of them, the better. Good Luck and please keep us posted.