Are you taking prednisone for GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis)?

In this video, find out:

• What is a normal dose of prednisone for GCA?
• What can you expect while taking it?
• How long should I continue taking prednisone for GCA?

Show Notes in Video:

Giant Cell Arteritis and Prednisone

What is the normal dose of prednisone for GCA?

Phases of Giant Cell Arteritis

• First Diagnosis – Your doctor prescribes a high dose somewhere between 40 mg to 60 mg. The goal is to knock off the inflammation so that you can have your vessels with the proper amount of swelling and not to be so swollen and leading you to have all the complications that you could possibly get with the GCA diagnosis.
• Major Relapse – They’re going to increase you to back up 40-60 mg.
• Minor Relapse – Depends on your doctor’s judgment
• Steady Long-term – Between 15 t0 20 mg can be a typical supportive dose with the goal of getting to the lowest effective dose of prednisone for GCA.

What if you are having the worst outcome of vasculitis?

You will be hospitalized and likely given IV methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol). It’s possible that the doctor could prescribe up to a thousand milligrams of prednisone equivalent dosage. At that point we’re doing everything we can to preserve your vision!