“Getting off Prednisone seems worse than taking it”

In the realm of managing chronic conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), prednisone often emerges as a crucial ally. However, as many patients discover, tapering off this medication can present its own set of challenges. This article is inspired by a Prednisone Warrior, 64-year-old male patient who has been navigating this very journey since June 2023.

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Getting off Prednisone: Prednisone Warrior Experience

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dr Megan. 64 year old male. I’ve been on Prednisone for PMR since June 2023, was down to 5 mg and ran out while on holiday. (that was a mistake) A week later had a major flare up. Back to 20 mg. Currently weaning off for the last few months. I had zero side effects until I hit 2ml, felt like I had the flu, but knew it was not the flu thanks to finding you and listening to all your videos. Going to try one day 3mg one day 2mg and see if that helps.

No weight gain or moon face. I have been a plant based whole food eater for 2 years and have lost roughly 25 Lbs over roughly 16 months while on prednisone. For me getting off this medication seems worse than taking it. Thank you Dr Megan you have been a wealth of information that my GP didn’t know or neglected to tell me. I have an appointment in two weeks and something tells me we are going to have a longer chat this time.

Prednisone Tapering Challenges

While a significant percentage of patients—between 60 to 70%—can reduce their dosage without major issues, others experience considerable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms often mimic the flu, including joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and decreased appetite, but typically exclude respiratory issues like coughing or a runny nose. This can lead to confusion, as patients may misinterpret these withdrawal symptoms as an illness.

The Role of Diet in Managing Prednisone Side Effects

The patient’s dedication to a healthy diet is emphasized as a key factor in minimizing side effects. This artice encourages others to adopt similar dietary practices to support their health during prednisone treatment. A plant-based whole food diet not only aids in weight management but also contributes to overall well-being, potentially easing the tapering process.

Prednisone Taper Chart

For those who find tapering particularly challenging, Prednisone Taper Chart offers various strategies and options for reducing prednisone dosage, designed to assist individuals who may find themselves in a “taper trap,” struggling to effectively decrease their medication.