GCA: Normal dose of prednisone? – Giant Cell Arteritis Treatment

Are you taking prednisone for GCA (Giant Cell Arteritis)? Check out this new episode for this week.

What to expect:

• 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 Diagnose
  You’ve prescribed 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.
• Terrible RelapseMajor Relapse – They’re going to increase you to back up 40-60 mg.
• Minor Relapse – Depends on your doctor’s judgment

• Steady Long-term

What if you are having the worst outcome of vasculitis?

You will be hospitalized and given Ivy methylprednisolone.  Give you a thousand milligrams like a ton of prednisone equivalent. At that point we’re doing everything we can to preserve your vision!